Shanghai Library

Shanghai Library is a major public research library in Shanghai, China, formed in 1995 by merging the Shanghai Library and the Shanghai Institute of Scientific and Technological Information.

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Public library: A library that provides services and collections to the general public, commonly supported by public funding. Public access is one foundation of Shanghai Library’s institutional mission.
Interlibrary loan: A service through which one library obtains materials from another for a user. It can connect local research needs with collections held elsewhere.
Shanghai Library (1930): A Shanghai library founded in 1930 that became one of the predecessor institutions of today’s Shanghai Library. It is the public-library institution named in the 1995 merger.
Shanghai Library (Huaihai Road): The main Shanghai Library building on Huaihai Middle Road, opened in 1996. It became the institution’s prominent central site shortly after the merger.
National Library of China: China’s national library in Beijing, responsible for collecting and preserving publications and supporting research. Its national scope contrasts with Shanghai Library’s city-based public and research mission.
Research library: A library that supports advanced study through extensive collections, specialized resources, and research services. Its large collections and specialist services extend beyond ordinary lending.
Reference service: Professional assistance that helps people find, assess, and use information resources. Specialist assistance supports research across the library’s broad collections.
Shanghai Institute of Scientific and Technological Information: A Shanghai information institution focused on scientific and technological literature, research, and intelligence services. Its 1995 merger with the Shanghai Library created the present institution.
Shanghai Library East: A major Shanghai Library building in Pudong, opened in 2022. The newer site expanded the library’s public presence and facilities.
China National Knowledge Infrastructure: A Chinese digital publishing and information platform providing access to academic journals, theses, and other resources. Its research-information role parallels one part of Shanghai Library’s scientific information mission.