Library Trends issue explores digital humanities in China

Lian Ruan
Lian Ruan, Research Affiliate

A new issue of Library Trends highlights the state of digital humanities in China. Digital Humanities and Libraries in China was edited by iSchool Research Affiliate Lian Ruan (PhD '11), head librarian at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI), and Xingye Du, associate research librarian at the National Science Library in China.

This special issue consists of sixteen papers that provide an overview, case studies, and highlights of China's digital humanities practice. The issue is based on data collected directly from Chinese academic libraries and humanities scholars, providing unique first-hand information from sources obtained during the authors' extensive work practices, research, and knowledge about libraries and digital humanities practices in China.

"Collaboration in research, especially international collaboration and communication, is the key to the success of scholarship," said Ruan, who serves as executive director of the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA). "We hope this issue will help readers, particularly in the Western world, gain better understanding of digital humanities development in China. We also hope to receive additional feedback and suggestions."

Library Trends explores critical trends in professional librarianship and includes practical applications, thorough analyses, and literature reviews. The journal is edited by Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe (MS '94), professor and coordinator for information literacy services and instruction at the University of Illinois Library, and it is published quarterly for the iSchool by The Johns Hopkins University Press.

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