Conference Information
Introduction to the Conference on Cooperative Development and Sharing of Chinese Resources
The Conference on Cooperative Development and Sharing of Chinese Resources (CCDSCR) was initiated by the National Library of China in 2000. Centred on Chinese-language documentary resources, it is an international forum for cooperation and has become one of the most representative events in the Chinese-language library community. Its principal aim is to examine ways of jointly developing and sharing Chinese-language documentary resources across regions. Through specific collaborative projects, it seeks progressively to achieve this goal and to promote exchanges and cooperation among Chinese-language libraries and institutions holding Chinese-language collections worldwide. Fifteen editions of the conference have been held to date, making a substantial contribution to promoting Chinese culture and enhancing its influence around the world.
The CCDSCR has been held in Beijing, Macao, Nanjing, Hong Kong, Dunhuang and Lanzhou, among other cities. Participants have included representatives from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Since 2006, the conference has taken place every two years, lasting between two and four days. Each edition has a designated theme and provides opportunities to discuss issues and solutions relating to the joint development and sharing of Chinese-language documentary resources, report on project progress, explore new partnerships and encourage exchanges and the sharing of experience.
The CCDSCR has a Council responsible for managing and overseeing the conference, determining its themes and host institutions, reviewing project proposals, progress and completion, considering the use of funds, and examining other major relevant matters. The Council comprises the National Library of China; the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Peking University Library; the Hong Kong representative institution (Hong Kong Public Libraries); the Macao representative institutions (Department of Public Library Management of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macau Library and Information Management Association); the Taiwan representative institution (Center for Chinese Studies); and overseas representative institutions (Harvard-Yenching Library of Harvard University, United States, and the National Library Board, Singapore). The Council meets annually. Its 18th meeting was held in Hong Kong in 2025.
Since the inaugural conference, the CCDSCR has facilitated 15 collaborative projects covering areas including catalogues of ancient books, rubbings, genealogies, digitization of documentary resources and Chinese name authority. Council members have also engaged in a variety of interlibrary collaborations and exchanges.
Macao has organized the conference on three occasions, in 2002, 2008 and 2016. In 2026, it will return to Macao, bringing together library professionals from countries and regions around the world to take part in one of the leading events and exchange platforms in the Chinese-language library community. Under the theme “The Future of Chinese Resources Cooperation and Sharing: Interdisciplinary Development and Heritage Revitalization”, the conference will focus on cross-regional collaboration, the revitalization and application of resources, and the promotion of technology. It will bring together experts from academia and the sector to deepen exchanges and explore new strategies.