Harvard–Yenching Library

Harvard-Yenching_Library_exterior

== Harvard–Yenching Library ==

The Harvard–Yenching Library is one of the largest and most comprehensive East Asian libraries in the Western world. It is part of the Harvard Library system at Harvard University and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The library primarily supports the research and teaching needs of the Harvard University Asia Center, the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, and other related departments and programs.

History

The Harvard–Yenching Library was established in 1928 through a collaboration between Harvard University and the Yenching University in Beijing. The library was initially funded by the Harvard-Yenching Institute, an independent foundation dedicated to advancing higher education in Asia. Over the years, the library has grown significantly, both in terms of its collection and its role within the academic community.

Collections

The library's collections encompass a wide range of materials, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, and digital resources. The primary focus is on materials in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The library also holds significant collections in Mongolian, Tibetan, and other East Asian languages.

Chinese Collection

The Chinese collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, featuring rare books, local gazetteers, genealogies, and a vast array of modern publications. The collection includes significant holdings in Chinese history, Chinese literature, Chinese philosophy, and other fields.

Japanese Collection

The Japanese collection includes a wide range of materials from the Edo period to the present day. It is particularly strong in the areas of Japanese literature, Japanese history, and Japanese art.

Korean Collection

The Korean collection features extensive holdings in Korean history, Korean literature, and Korean studies. It includes rare books, manuscripts, and modern publications.

Vietnamese Collection

The Vietnamese collection is one of the most comprehensive outside of Vietnam, with significant holdings in Vietnamese history, Vietnamese literature, and other fields.

Services

The Harvard–Yenching Library offers a variety of services to support research and teaching. These include reference assistance, interlibrary loan, and access to digital resources. The library also provides specialized services for the preservation and digitization of rare and fragile materials.

Facilities

The library is housed in a dedicated building on the Harvard University campus. It features reading rooms, study spaces, and specialized facilities for the preservation and digitization of materials. The library is open to Harvard students, faculty, and staff, as well as to visiting scholars and researchers.

Related Pages

• Harvard Library
• Harvard University
• Harvard-Yenching Institute
• Yenching University
• East Asian studies
• Chinese literature
• Japanese literature
• Korean literature
• Vietnamese literature