• 2014-08-21

At 3:00 p.m. on August 21, 2014, National Central Library (NCL) gave a report on “Cooperating with the Bibliothèque nationale de France on Cataloging Ancient Chinese Books and Viewing Materials in Paris.” Francis Li-Chung Tu, an assistant editor from NCL’s Special Collections, discussed his experience in working with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF) to catalog their rare Chinese books and the conditions of manuscripts and Chinese holdings at BNF. During the report, a display of post cards from late Qing and early Republic eras and French published reports and observations on China from the 19th and 20th centuries found in old bookstores and flea markets in France were available for viewing. The exhibition lasts until September 21. These are important materials in researching modern Chinese history. 

Director-general Tseng Shu-Hsien stated, in recent years NCL has continued to work with European and American libraries on cooperative projects. In September 2012 while visiting BNF, Director-general Tseng spoke in depth with J. Sanson regarding issues important to both libraries. BNF has an abundance of Chinese materials. Their ancient Chinese books and Dunhuang materials are especially well-known throughout the international community, making BNF an important hub in European Chinese studies. However, as a portion of these ancient works do not have complete and accurate catalog records, NCL offered its assistance in remedying this problem due to both its vast experience in cataloging ancient Chinese works and the French ability of staff members. The project was made possible by funding from France’s Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication. 

La France à Taiwan’s cultural section head Christophe Gigaudaut’s wife Valentine Gigaudaut, who is also the French language and publication attaché, was also invited to speak. She mentioned that France is very pleased with this cooperative project and that Mr. Tu’s work and accomplishments in France were highly praised. She hopes that in the future both libraries will continue to work together and exchange resources and knowledge.