Chinese library and information scientists describe representative projects and academic research in Chinese academic libraries since the 1990s, particularly looking at significant foundational infrastructure and support systems, including government oriented projects and exploratory studies, and covering systems, resources, services, education, and other matters. They cover national platforms, user services and buildings, digital libraries and resources, education and research, leadership and assessment, and international communication and the new model. The studies could interest librarians, researchers, and information scientists.
– Protoview Reviews
This book is highly recommended. The higher education landscape of China is very complex. This work does an excellent job of analyzing the academic library landscape, the relationships that exist between institutions, the services provided, and the challenges still being faced. Although each chapter is written by a different author, the book is cohesive. Grounded in research that is specific to China, the authors do not hesitate to consider Western research, theory, and practices and explains appropriate differences and valued similarities. This book opens the window on the academic libraries of China and successfully simplifies them and how they have developed in the way that they have.
– Mark Shelton, Director of Library Services, College of the Holy Cross, USA
Highly Recommended. All the chapters together present a complete picture of how academic libraries in China are adapting themselves in a rapidly changing digital environment and keep themselves abreast with current trends in librarianship in the world.
– Andrew Y. Lee, George Mason University Libraries, USA
Chinese academic libraries have made an excellent progress since the 1970s with the introduction of technology and the construction of many new library buildings. This book discusses various aspects of academic libraries and library administration. It has 19 chapters and is divided into six sections. All chapters are well written and are scholarly with many references, black-and-white photographs, charts, figures, and tables. [...] The title discusses the growing partnerships between Chinese and American academic librarians through conferences, exchange visits, and the contributions of library pioneers. This book is an excellent addition to the library literature and is recommended for all academic libraries.
– Ravindra Nath Sharma, American Reference Books Annual
The aim of the book seems to be academic librarians, researchers and library and information professionals to introduce the field of rapidly evolving Library and Information Science assisted by technological innovations. This book serves timely understanding of the academic libraries in China to the US audiences as well as to the world. This reference book includes 6 sections on broad topics like national platforms and Chinese government sponsored projects including CALIS, CADAL, and CASHL, user services and building, education & research. The book’s 19 chapters on Chinese academic library development and administration consists of innovative user services, leadership, academic digital libraries and outreach services and many more. This book is written by the Chinese academic library practitioners and experts in the field from major Chinese and American university libraries. Highly recommended for library and information professionals in academia and educators. The target audience for this book is clearly for academic librarians around the world who would like to understand the Chinese academic library and its administration.
– Shin Freedman, MLS, MBA, Framingham State University (USA)