China Digital Library Initiative and Development

Abstract

The construction of digital library systems and digital library resource databases by utilizing advanced information technologies has become not only a tremendous challenge but also an important opportunity to information enterprises and large-scale information resources collection centers such as national libraries in various countries. Over 20 countries and regions worldwide are actively involved in building digital libraries. China is no exception. Supported by the State Council and Ministry of Culture, China’s digital library project is underway in earnest. This paper aims to present an overview of current research and development of the digital library in China. It will discuss in particular the preparation work and construction of the digital library resource databases and analyze critical problems needed to be solved in the construction of China’s digital libraries.