Breaking through Difficulties with the Adoption of an Innovating Developmental Path: the Genealogy Collection of Hubei Provincial Library

Abstract

Compiling genealogies has recently become increasingly popular in China due to the rapid development of the Chinese economy and targeted favourable policies across the country. This paper summarises the practices that Hubei Provincial Library has taken in breaking through the difficulties of genealogy-resource acquisition with the adoption of an innovative developmental path, thus leading to the rapid growth of the collection of Hubei genealogies.

Specific steps have been taken for: (a) broadening the channel of resources, (b) building exchange platforms, (c) optimizing the collection, and (d) providing free repair services on ancient genealogies. Additionally, there is a special service for digitizing original records, with the permission from relevant stakeholders, thus increasing the digital collection of genealogies. With the commitment of the provincial library and the adoption of such innovative practices, the first general catalogue in the Hubei area has been successfully completed, and a Full-text Image Database of Genealogy will be provided, which helps readers trace their roots and facilitating various academic research activities in China.