East Asian librarians call for cooperation in digital era

Library curators from China and other East Asian countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation and promote the sharing of resources amid the boom in electronic media that has posed challenges to traditional libraries.

Chief librarians and representatives from the national libraries of China, the Republic of Korea and 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries signed a proposal at the ongoing China-ASEAN Cultural Forum that kicked off Tuesday in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The curators proposed establishing a long-term cooperative relationship among libraries in these countries so as to share resources, enhance personnel exchanges and boost the quality of library services.

With the dawning of the digital era, cooperation and exchanges are more necessary for confronting new challenges, said Zhou Heping, director of the National Library of China, in a keynote speech.

"The development of libraries has entered a digital era of information sharing," said Zhao Shaohua, China's vice minister of culture, while addressing the opening ceremony. "China and ASEAN countries should strengthen substantial cooperation on library development as part of regional cultural cooperation."

Ngian Lek Choh, director of the National Library of Singapore, said the library alliance will also help bring vitality to cultural heritage.

"It's like when family members get together, they exchange information, opinions and experience. Meanwhile, they learn from each other and grow together," she said.

"I hope that all participating parties shall discuss and learn how to make full use of the libraries to better serve their countries, society and the people," the director said.