The World Internet Conference (WIC) and the National Library of China (NLC), held the “Journey into Outstanding Cases - Journey into the National Library of China” event on Jan 17 in Beijing, to explore how digital technology empowers cultural heritage and enhances cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Nearly 60 participants, including representatives from foreign embassies in China, representatives from the publishers of the 2023 Outstanding Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace, as well as those of WIC members, attended the event, at which Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC, delivered a speech. 

The World Internet Conference (WIC) and the National Library of China (NLC) hold the “Journey into Outstanding Cases - Journey into the National Library of China” event on Jan 17, 2024 in Beijing. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Ren noted that cyberspace underpinned by the internet and digital technology has broken geographical boundaries, bringing new opportunities for exchanges and mutual learning among global civilizations. 

Highlighting the NLC’s practice case of “Building a digital network of Chinese ancient books - Chinese Ancient Books Resources Database construction and services”, one of the Outstanding Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace, Ren said they vividly illustrate the enormous potential of digital technology in continuing and expanding human civilization. 

The event has provided a window for all parties to gain insight into the digital preservation of ancient books and cultural exchange online, while offering opportunities for deeper cultural exchange and cooperation, he noted.

Ren added that the WIC will continue to serve as a bridge to promote exchange and mutual learning among fascinating cultures worldwide and to foster the prosperous development of the internet culture.

Chen Ying, deputy director and secretary of the CPC Committee of the NLC, said in her address that the NLC, the largest library in Asia and the fifth largest one in the world, currently holds a total document collection of over 44 million volumes, with a digital collection exceeding 2,753TB. 

Noting that the NLC is dedicated to preserving civilization and serving society, Chen said that it has been advancing the digitization of ancient books and the sharing of resources, and has made continuous efforts to apply new technologies, create new exhibition halls, and offer new services to enhance experience.

The NLC has also been committed to extensive and in-depth cultural exchanges with other countries, Chen Ying added, saying that it will further promote the production and spread of high-quality internet cultural products, advance intelligent services centered on ancient books, to build the core of traditional Chinese cultural knowledge and the cultural community.

Participants of the “Journey into Outstanding Cases - Journey into the National Library of China” event visit the National Library of China after in-depth discussions on relevant topics on Jan 17, 2024 in Beijing. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Zhang Zhiqing, executive deputy director of the NLC and deputy director of the China National Center for the Preservation & Conservation of Ancient Books, shared his experiences regarding the digital preservation of ancient books and online cultural exchanges at the event.

After in-depth discussions on relevant topics, the participants visited various exhibition halls that showcase the Yongle Encyclopedia and oracle bones, toured the document restoration room and had a digital interactive experience to immerse themselves in cultural relics and ancient books. 

They were impressed that the Chinese Ancient Books Resources Database had established a platform for equal access to Chinese classical knowledge, and said that they will use their expertise to promote the integration and exchange of diverse civilizations worldwide through digital technology, contributing to the building of a community of with a shard future in cyberspace. 

Background Information

Since 2021, the WIC has annually solicited Practice Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace from around the world. The Review Committee selects outstanding cases that are highly aligned with the concept of the WIC, exert significant international influence, are of outstanding inclusive value, and have rich and vivid presentations. The selected cases are released at the WIC Wuzhen Summit to showcase the impressive stories of international cooperation in cyberspace in recent years. 

Click the link to download the collection of 2023 Outstanding Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace:

https://www.wicinternet.org/2024-01/11/c_955282.htm

For inquiries regarding the collection of 2024 Practice Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace, please contact Mr. Sang at 13681292909.