Chinese Book Donation Expands Library’s Collection by 500

Chinese Book Donation Expands Library’s Collection by 500
BY PHILIP MONTGOMERY
Rice News Staff
Nov. 12, 1998

The People’s Republic of China donated to Rice 500 volumes of books, a significant
contribution that greatly increases Fondren Library’s Chinese-language collection.

The Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China donated the books
during an Oct. 29 ceremony in the library.

The books, selected by the Ministry of Education, represent volumes on language,
culture, philosophy, history and literature, along with a number of dictionaries
and classical works on subjects related to China.

"This generous gift from the Chinese government will amplify our library
resources in several significant ways," said Richard Smith, professor of
history and director of Asian Studies.

First, the donation will increase the number of Chinese-language textbooks
and tapes for both beginning and more advanced students, Smith said. Second,
it will provide Rice with several important dictionaries and other reference
works, which will be of value to Asian Studies faculty as well as advanced students.

Third, the gift includes a great many literary works, including virtually all
of China’s most famous and influential novels and several valuable collections
of poetry. Fourth, Fondren received a large number of annotated classics and
other philosophical works, representing most major Chinese schools of thought.

Finally, the collection contains a number of key historical works, including
the monumental Shiji (historical records) of the great Han dynasty scholar,
Sima Qian.

Nanxiu Qian, assistant professor of Chinese literature at Rice, Barbara Kile,
director of library promotion, and Kerry Keck, coordinator of library collections,
worked extremely hard to make all this happen, Smith said.

About 30 people were present, including Rice President Malcolm Gillis; Chuck
Henry, associate provost and university librarian; and Consul-General Wu Zurong,
representing the People’s Republic of China. Various consular officials and
an educational delegation of five people from Shanghai were also in attendance.

"In her 5,000 year-long glorious history, China has cultivated her fine
historical and cultural traditions," said Zurong. "These traditions
have exerted a profound impact on the values and way of life of the Chinese
people–and on China’s road of development as well. The books donated today
will surely help [Rice’s] readers understand the evolution and development of
those fine traditions and may serve as an effective tool for the study of China’s
past and present."