Peking University, October 31, 2024: On an autumn’s afternoon, Zhang Juan is busy at work in the Closed Shelves Loan area of Peking University Library, confirming students’ requests, locating books by their identification number, checking out books, calling wait numbers……

Over the past seven years, she has greeted students retrieving books with a smile, and as books are passed between them, not only knowledge is transferred, but also warmth. This is but a page of the daily lives of more than 400 workers in the library. 

This year, Peking University Library marks its 126th anniversary. Since its founding, generations of staff have continued to protect this palace of knowledge, accompanying the millions of PKU students in their quest for knowledge, research and dialogue with the world. 

On this wonderful occasion, let us share their stories with you. 

Tang Yan – Character Arc: The Heroine 

Sorting rubbings is a test of utmost patience: meticulously sifting through unsorted bags of rubbings in the storage room, one by one, numbering, sequencing, and classifying—yet Tang Yan has dedicated 35 years to the task.

Since joining PKU as an undergraduate in library studies in 1989, rubbings have remained central to her work. Sometimes, the job calls for her to be proactive too, by tapping contacts and mobilizing resources to procure rubbings. “Fighting for resources for the school is a special and unforgettable process,” Tang Yan self-professed. 

A few years ago, she learned that an intangible cultural heritage preserver was preparing to complete rubbings of the “Inscription on the Ceremonial Mounding of Mount Yanran” (abbr. Inscription) in Mongolia, a remote and previously undiscovered site that had remained hidden for nearly 2,000 years. Upon hearing this news, an excited Tang Yan vowed to obtain a copy for PKU Library. Through an alumnus, she connected with the preserver, and within half a year, finally brought this precious rubbing to PKU Library. Currently, there are only 10 copies of the rubbings of the Inscription in the world, and it is a priceless treasure in the eyes of Tang Yan and her colleagues.

Indeed, procuring rubbings is no easy task. Unlike books with printed titles, many rubbings are untitled, with titles assigned by later generations, leading to potential discrepancies. Faced with the vast array of rubbings on the market, Tang Yan needs to filter out those essential for the library’s collection and verify the authenticity of works. To excel in these tasks, she has continually honed her professional skills, gradually developing a deep understanding of textual, geographical, and legal knowledge from various dynasties, all while deriving immense pleasure from the scrolls.

Zhang Yuanjun – Fresh Ink on Old Pages

In 2014, newcomer Zhang Yuanjun wondered: As someone who spent the last 7 years engaging with the likes of “Principle of Microcomputer” and “Computer Network”, what sparks could be generated between him and humanities-infused PKU Library? He soon realized that library work extends beyond mere management, heavily relying on the support of information systems. With his background in information studies, he discovered his own niche within the library.

In 2018, with the advent of 5G network infrastructure, the library's Information Technology and Data Centre embarked on designing a new version of the library website. The goal was to address the poor display on mobile devices and provide a more user-friendly system for book requests. After extensive work and countless late nights, on May 2, 2018, Zhang Yuanjun and his colleagues launched the new PKU Library website, featuring an intuitive interface and comprehensive functions accessible on both computers and mobile devices.

Since the launch of the new website, Zhang Yuanjun has been occupied with an additional task everyday: to experience the website as a user, checking for inconveniences or new bugs. Over the years, it has become a habit for him and hence not tiresome.” I strive to ensure the site operates smoothly, providing the best experience for everyone.” he says.

Zhang Juan – The Next Chapter  

Similarly, Zhang Juan has witnessed the transition to artificial intelligence technology in the Closed Shelves Loan area. In 2019, the library launched an automated system of sorting books and calling wait numbers, a great improvement in the efficiency for book loaning compared to the previous system relying on memory. “Of course, we staff need to learn new operating methods and adapt to new working modes. But seeing teachers and students benefit from the convenience makes all our efforts worthwhile.” Zhang Juan said.

Every day at her job, Zhang Juan checks out more than 100 books. Since starting work, Zhang Juan has become friends with many students: some are volunteers who helped arrange books, and some are old acquaintances who have sought her help in borrowing books for 4 consecutive years. Her ever-growing list of friends is a testament to the genuine connections and warmth borne out of every transfer of books from one hand to another. 

Over the span of 126 years, technology has advanced and the library's collection has grown, yet the librarians' original purpose of serving faculty and students remains steadfast. They have journeyed with us through the years, and as we look to the future, we will continue to write new chapters together.

Written by: Lee Jie Xin
Edited by: Wang Mengjiao
Source: PKU New Youth Wechat (Chinese)