Serving women in China: practice and projects in a public library

Abstract

Chinese women live in the complicate background of the era and area: a civilization of long standing in the East Asian region, and also the radical changes in China in terms of rapid industrialization, informatization and globalization. Women surveys show their state of life and their demand for libraries: lower economic and social status and more conservative living style than of men, lower educational level and larger information gap than average in society. What they need most is assistance in acquiring information, such as legal aid, and reading opportunities provided in libraries. A public library in China - Nanshan Library of Shenzhen City is taken as an example to share the practical experience of four service projects: “Spring Program”, counselling to aid the spiritual growth of women and their children; “Sunshine Program” offers legal aid; health lectures urge women to take care of their bodies; reading salons encourage women to read books for themselves and read books with their children. There are also further plans for services for women in the library: to provide information technology training and the space for cultural entertainment; to launch career development and guidance for unemployed women; and special services for anti-domestic violence.