“Books hold the very soul of humanity.” This quote echoes within the halls of the \u4e2d\u56fd\u793e\u4f1a\u79d1\u5b66\u9662\u56fe\u4e66\u9986. We stand before a treasure trove of knowledge. It is a place where history whispers from ancient pages.
The \u4e2d\u56fd\u793e\u4f1a\u79d1\u5b66\u9662\u56fe\u4e66\u9986 is not just a library. It is the literary heart of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Its story began in 1957. It started as an information research office. Over the years, it transformed. In 1985, it merged with the Institute’s library.
Today, the \u4e2d\u56fd\u793e\u4f1au79d1u5b66u9662\u56fe\u4e66\u9986 houses over 2.4 million volumes. Among them are 200,000 ancient books. The library boasts 3650 rare thread-bound books. In 2007, it earned recognition. The State Council named it a key national unit for preserving ancient books.
But wait, there is more to discover! This library also serves scholars. It is a designated collection point. It holds doctoral dissertations in humanities and social sciences. Currently, it holds about 200,000 academic papers.
In 1995, a unique center was established. The local chronicles collection center. It has grown into the largest in the country. The \u4e2d\u56fd\u793e\u4f1au79d1u5b66u9662u56feu4e66u9986 holds over 53,600 local gazetteers. This includes 26,000 newly compiled ones. The collection covers 93% of place name gazetteers nationwide.
The library’s commitment to knowledge extends to the digital age. The new library building opened in 2002. It covers 18,000 square meters. Advanced computer and network technology were used. This provides researchers with reliable resources.
Since 2016, the \u4e2d\u56fd\u793e\u4f1au79d1u5b66u9662u56fe\u4e66\u9986 has been leading the construction of the National Center for Philosophy and Social Sciences Documentation. It is now the world’s largest open access platform for Chinese philosophy and social sciences literature.
Before us stands a place dedicated to preserving the written word. The \u4e2d\u56fd\u793e\u4f1a\u79d1\u5b66\u9662\u56fe\u4e66\u9986 connects us to the past. It propels us into the future. It is a testament to China’s dedication to learning.