Libraries of the world: FU-JEN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Te-Lien Chou is an augmented reality researcher from the Library and Information Science Department of Fu-Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. When I asked her to talk me about the libraries in her country, she wrote this extensive report to be published in this blog. Thanks a lot for your amazing article, Lynn and good luck with your projects! And thanks also for the mention in your blog!

An Introduction to the Fu-Jen Catholic University Libraries

History

The Fu-Jen Catholic University library system was established by the time when the University moved to Hsinchuang in Taiwan in 1963. It consists of 4 libraries, which were established in the following order: the Kungpo Memorial Library (the humanities and literature library), the Fahy Memorial Library (the social science library), the Schutte Memorial Library (the rare book storage center), and the Cardinal Shan Library (the medical library). In keeping with the administration structure of the University, each library was independently operated and managed. In 2002, the four libraries were re-organized into one unified Fu Jen Catholic University library system, with the Fahy Memorial Library functioning as the main library. In addition to 1,000,000 volumes of book collections, 2,500 periodicals, the libraries also provide more than 1 million electronic information resources, including 704 online databases, 26,000 e-journals, and 1,200,000 e-books; also, the libraries participate in the Taiwan library consortia to provide readers with the interlibrary loan services. The library committee, comprised of insightful and diligent professors from the 11 FJU colleges, assists the libraries’ services with both expansion and development.

Organization structure

In 2002, the libraries were unified into one organizational structure. Currently, there are 26 professional library staff members, including one director of the university libraries, 1 director’s secretary, three division heads, and 4 to 6 librarians under 4 different divisions: Acquisition & Cataloguing, Reading & Reservation, Reference services, and Periodical & Multimedia.

Director of the university libraries

In 2012, Professor ChanLin, Lih-Juan was appointed as the 3th director of the university libraries. Professor ChanLin received her doctoral degree from the Department of Instructional Technology at the University of Georgia, USA, and has been teaching in the department of Library and Information Science in Fu-Jen Catholic University from 1992 to the present. Professor ChanLin is one of the most productive faculty members. She has received a “Best Teacher and Researcher” award each year since 2004. Her vision of the Library is “A Library providing tomorrow’s solutions today” - which echoes her research interests: digital learning, motivational strategies, computer-mediated interaction, problem-based learning, and web-supported collaborative learning

Library overviews

Fahy Memorial Library

Established in 1963, the Fahy Memorial Library was originally the law library. After the university library re-organization in 2002, it became the main library, which currently stores the social sciences collections. The Fahy Memorial Library is a 9 story building. The total area is about 3500 pings (11,570 square meters), and includes 813 seats, 600 Internet access points, 120 computers, 28 study carrels, and 7 group discussion rooms. The featured collections cover subjects in the social sciences, the applied sciences, the pure sciences and various religions. The various Chinese and English language advisors provide one on one technical writing assistance. The Periodical Section houses special collections of important Taiwanese newspapers published since 1949.

Kungpo Memorial Library

Established in 1963, the Kungpo Memorial Library is the humanities and literature library. It is located in the Kungpo Memorial building. In 2005, it was renovated and expanded to a total capacity of 2,600 pings (8,600 square meters), and includes 699 seats, 400 Internet access points, 120 computers, and 7 group discussion rooms. The Kungpo Memorial Library features collections in philosophy, language, literature, arts, history and geography. To meet the high demands for researching relevant materials about Mainland China, the Library is gradually developing a good collection of Mainland publications.

Cardinal Shan Library

Established in 1992, the Medical Library was originally located on the second floor of the College of Medicine to offer easy access and service to both the faculty and the students of the College of Medicine. In 2007, the Medical Library moved to the Cardinal Shan Medical Building. The total area is about 800 pings (2,645 square meters), and includes 244 seats, 72 Internet access points, 18 computers, and 4 group discussion rooms. The collection includes not only works in the field of medicine, nursing, public health, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, but also instructional materials for the Problem-Based Learning approach.