On the afternoon of October 25, 2024, the launch ceremony of the Library of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University (IIS Fudan Library) and the book donation ceremony by Prof. Shi Yuanhua were successfully held in Room 301 of the Wenke (Liberal Arts) Building at Fudan University. The event was attended by key figures, including Prof. Wu Xinbo, Dean of the IIS Fudan, and Prof. Chen Yinchi, Chief Librarian of the Fudan University Library, who delivered speeches. Also present were Liu Jiping, Party Secretary of the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University, and Shi Weihua, Deputy Party Secretary of the Fudan University Library, who presented the donation certificates. Prof. Wu Xinbo, Prof. Hu Lingyuan, Prof. Chen Caixing, Prof. Zheng Jiyong, and Deputy Secretary Shi Weihua jointly unveiled the plaque for the IIS Fudan Library. Additionally, Prof. Shi Yuanhua, Prof. Zhang Guihong, Assoc. Prof. Cao Ting, Dr. Zhu Qin, and Prof. Fu Dehua, former Director of the Library of the Department of History at Fudan University, shared their remarks. The ceremony was hosted by Vice Dean Qi Huaigao of the IIS Fudan.

Prof. Wu Xinbo, Prof. Hu Lingyuan, Prof. Chen Caixing, Prof. Zheng Jiyong, and Deputy Secretary Shi Weihua jointly unveiling the plaque.

Secretary Liu Jiping and Deputy Secretary Shi Weihua presenting donation certificates to Prof. Shi Yuanhua and Prof. Zhang Guihong.

  Prof. Wu Xinbo began by introducing the history and significance of the IIS Fudan Library. He highlighted that the library was established through the integration of collections from the Center for Korean Studies, the Research Office for Latin American Studies, and valuable donations from Prof. Shi Yuanhua. Prof. Wu extended his gratitude to Prof. Shi, along with Prof. Zhang Guihong, Assoc. Prof. Zhang Jiegen, and Assoc. Prof. Ma Bin, for their generous contributions, and commended the faculty for their efforts in building the library. The collection of IIS Fudan currently holds over 110 thousand volumes, divided into three branches: the IIS Fudan Library, the Center for American Studies Library (CAS Fudan Library), and the Center for Japanese Studies Library (CJS Fudan Library). Notably, the libraries include a wide range of foreign language materials, such as books in English, Japanese, Latin, Korean, Russian and so on, making abundant resources for international and area studies. In his address, Prof. Wu shared his vision for the library's future development. He proposed creating an exhibition area for faculty-published books and research reports, organizing reading clubs, and hosting donor meetings to enhance the library’s interactivity and dynamism. He emphasized the importance of positioning the library as a key resource for advancing international and area studies within the discipline, while also emphasizing the need for ongoing support from the Fudan University Library.

Prof. Wu Xinbo delivering his speech.

  Prof. Chen Yinchi, on behalf of the Fudan University Library, expressed his delight at the establishment of the IIS Fudan Library. He underscored the importance of the 100,000-plus volumes integrated into the library, particularly for international and area studies. Citing Zhuangzi, he remarked, The most valuable thing in the world is the Dao, and books are a manifestation of the Dao. Prof. Chen emphasized that the value of the library is not solely in its collection but also in how these resources can foster intellectual growth and international exchange. He expressed his hope that the library would serve as a platform of support for scholars in international studies and offer warm services to young students as they pursue their academic endeavors.

Prof. Chen Yinchi delivering his speech.

  Following Prof. Chen’s remarks, Prof. Shi Yuanhua expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the IIS Fudan and Prof. Wu Xinbo for accepting his donation. He also thanked Prof. Qi Huaigao and Dr. Zhu Qin for their efforts in organizing the donation. Prof. Shi shared his journey of collecting books, noting that his donation primarily focuses on China’s foreign relations with neighboring countries. He pledged to continue contributing books from his collection in the future, further enriching the library's resources.

Prof. Shi Yuanhua sharing his remarks.

  Prof. Zhang Guihong reflected on the significance of the library’s founding, marking a milestone in the Institute's history. He shared insights into the acquisition process and the special value of the English books he donated. He also expressed his hope that the library would evolve beyond its traditional role, serving as a dynamic venue for book launches and academic exchanges.

Prof. Zhang Guihong sharing his remarks.

  Assoc. Prof. Cao Ting acknowledged the IIS Fudan’s support for the Research Office for Latin American Studies, particularly in organizing and cataloging materials. She also celebrated the Center’s two major achievements this year—the 60th anniversary of its founding and the improvement in the storage space for Latin American materials. She expressed gratitude to all who contributed to organizing and cataloging the materials, including Librarian Miao Qing from Fudan University Library and students from the College of Foreign Languages and Literature and the School of International Relations and Public Affairs.

Assoc. Prof. Cao Ting sharing her remarks.

  Dr. Zhu Qin expressed her appreciation for the leadership's support in establishing the IIS Fudan Library and acknowledged the contributions of the Center for Korean Studies and the Research Office for Latin American Studies. She also recognized the collaborative efforts of various departments within the University Library and the IIS Fudan faculty and students in ensuring the success of the library's development. Looking ahead, she shared her plans to enhance the library’s offerings while preserving its structure.

Dr. Zhu Qin sharing her remarks.

  Prof. Fu Dehua congratulated the IIS Fudan on the launch of the library and praised the historical significance of the Library of the Department of History at Fudan University. He noted significant accomplishments, such as the publication of the Republic of China Series and of 150 Years’ Bibliography of Sino-American Relations (1823-1990). Prof. Fu hoped that the new library would continue to support international and area studies and honor the meticulous efforts of past scholars in preserving knowledge.

Prof. Fu Dehua sharing his experiences in library development.

  Deputy Secretary Shi Weihua concluded the ceremony by offering her best wishes for the library’s success. She spoke about the emotional attachment professors have to their books, comparing them to children, and praised Professor Shi Yuanhua for his dedication in donating his personal collection to benefit future generations. She emphasized the strong bond between the University Library and the IIS Fudan Library and assured that the two would continue to strengthen their cooperation moving forward.

Deputy Secretary Shi Weihua offering her congratulations.

  The IIS Fudan Library, located on the third floor of the Wenke (Liberal Arts) Building at Fudan University's Handan Campus, includes the Center for Korean Studies Library and the Research Office for Latin American Studies Library. It is divided into three areas: a lending area, a reading area, and an exhibition space for faculty works. The library holds approximately 25,000 volumes in international and area studies, including collections from the Center for Korean Studies (10,000 volumes), the Research Office for Latin American Studies (2,300 volumes), and over 2,500 books donated by Prof. Shi Yuanhua. It also houses over 6,800 volumes of publications and journals from the IIS Fudan, as well as numerous photocopied archival materials and well-known international studies journals.

Group photo of the attendees.

Image of the IIS Fudan Library collection.