Peking University Library

Peking University Library is one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in China, serving as a major research center for Peking University students and faculty, as well as scholars from Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, and other institutions. The library's collections and services are also utilized by researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and other organizations. As a key component of Peking University, the library plays a vital role in supporting the university's academic programs, including those in School of Economics, School of Law, and College of Engineering. The library's resources are also accessible to students from Beijing Normal University, Beijing University of Technology, and other universities in Beijing.

● History

The library was founded in 1902, during the Qing dynasty, as part of the Imperial University of Peking, which was later renamed Peking University in 1912, after the Xinhai Revolution. The library's early development was influenced by Cai Yuanpei, a renowned educator and philosopher who served as the president of Peking University from 1916 to 1927. During this period, the library established relationships with other institutions, including University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, and University of Oxford, to acquire rare books and manuscripts, such as those related to Confucius, Mencius, and other Chinese classics. The library also collaborated with National Library of China, Shanghai Library, and other libraries in China to develop its collections and services.

● Architecture

The library's main building, designed by Yang Tingbao, a prominent Chinese architect, was completed in 1991, with a total floor area of over 50,000 square meters. The building's design incorporates elements of traditional Chinese architecture, such as the use of tiles, wooden beams, and stone carvings, while also featuring modern facilities and equipment, including those from IBM, Microsoft, and other technology companies. The library's architecture is also influenced by other notable buildings in Beijing, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. The library's design has been recognized with awards from Chinese Ministry of Construction, Beijing Municipal Government, and other organizations.

● Collections

The library's collections include over 9 million items, including books, journals, newspapers, and other materials in Chinese language, as well as English language, French language, German language, and other languages. The library has a strong collection of rare books and manuscripts, including works by Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and other prominent Chinese leaders. The library also has an extensive collection of materials related to Chinese history, including the Opium Wars, Taiping Rebellion, and Chinese Civil War. The library's collections are also rich in materials related to Chinese culture, including Chinese literature, Chinese art, and Chinese music, with works by Lu Xun, Ba Jin, and other notable Chinese writers and artists.

● Services

The library provides a range of services to support the research and learning needs of its users, including interlibrary loan services, document delivery services, and reference services. The library also offers training and instruction programs, including workshops on information literacy, database searching, and citation management, using tools such as EndNote, Zotero, and Mendeley. The library's services are also supported by partnerships with other institutions, including National Science Library, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and other organizations. The library's services are accessible to students and faculty from Peking University, as well as other universities in Beijing, including Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, and Beijing Normal University.

● Facilities

The library has a range of facilities to support the research and learning needs of its users, including reading rooms, study rooms, and computer labs. The library also has a multimedia center with facilities for video conferencing, audio-visual presentations, and other multimedia applications. The library's facilities are also equipped with wireless networking, printing and copying services, and other amenities, including those from HP, Dell, and other technology companies. The library's facilities are accessible to users with disabilities, with features such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

● Notable Features

The library has a number of notable features, including a rare book room with a collection of over 100,000 rare books and manuscripts, including works by Confucius, Mencius, and other Chinese classics. The library also has a digital library with a collection of over 1 million digital items, including e-books, e-journals, and other digital resources. The library's notable features also include its exhibition hall, which hosts exhibitions on Chinese history, Chinese culture, and other topics, in collaboration with institutions such as National Museum of China, Palace Museum, and other museums in Beijing. The library's notable features are recognized by organizations such as International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Association of Research Libraries, and other professional associations. Category:Libraries in China