The new library movement in China and the impact of American librarianship in the beginning of the 20th Century

Abstract

Known as the Queen of Modern Library Movement in China, Miss Mary Elizabeth Wood acted as a bridge of eternal friendship linking American library world with Chinese library world. This paper recalls the New Library Movement in China at the beginning of the 20th century which was initiated by her and developed with the help of other Americans. Moreover, it analyzes the impact of American librarianship on Chinese librarianship. Through this diachronic and synchronic analysis, it summarizes the significance of Miss Mary Elizabeth Wood and American Librarianship in China and thus helps us not only have a better understanding of the history of Chinese librarianship but also the history of modern libraries in Asia.