Preserving History: China’s National Library Digitizes Ancient Tomes

Preserving History: China’s National Library Digitizes Ancient Tomes

A Wealthy Chapter of Ancient Wisdom

The National Library of China recently held a symposium to announce the release of its eighth collection of digitized ancient books. This release is no ordinary one, as it unveils the creation of three new specialist libraries: the “National Character Ancient Book Collection,” the “Local National Character Ancient Book Collection,” and the “Treasure of the World.” The new release adds 1,672 pieces, which include ancient books from the Ming and Qing dynasties, manuscripts, and 19 different types of minority national character ancient books.

Digitization: A Leap into the Future

Various ancient book collection units and individuals across the country have released over 130,000 pieces of ancient books and special collection document image resources to date. The digitization effort is not limited to the National Library. The “Chinese Ancient Book Resource Library,” constructed by the National Library, has released over 103,000 pieces of ancient book image resources. This effort to digitize the rich history embedded within these ancient tomes is a significant leap towards preserving and increasing public accessibility to these invaluable sources of knowledge.

A Glimpse into the Latest Release

The latest release from the “Chinese Ancient Book Resource Library” includes 808 precious and characteristic ancient books from the Tianjin Library collection, consisting of 9,259 volumes. These books cover a broad spectrum of subjects such as classics, history, philosophy, and literature, with a predominance of rare and good books. The selection of base documents is of high value, with 30 of them selected for the “National Precious Ancient Books List.” The content is comprehensive and rich, covering poetry collections, local records, chronicles, scrolls, and more. The editions are exquisite, including movable type, lithographic, lead print, multi-color overprint versions, etc., demonstrating the superb printing technology of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

The digitization of ancient books not only helps to preserve the physical condition of these valuable artifacts but also expands their accessibility. This initiative allows the public to peruse these rare resources from anywhere in the world, making it a valuable tool for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts alike. The National Library of China’s effort to digitize their extensive collection of ancient books is a significant contribution towards preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of China with future generations.