Introduction to Chinese Collection
History
The Chinese Collection at the Binghamton University Libraries supports the research and instructional needs of the Chinese studies faculty and students in areas of Chinese history, literature, language, and philosophy. Although there were some Chinese materials dispersed in the library stacks, serious collecting did not begin until August 2002 when generous funding from the Freeman Foundation enabled the hiring of a full-time Asian Studies Librarian – Bibliographer / Cataloger and a significant amount of acquisition budget for the Libraries, and for the Asian and Asian American Studies Program. The aim is to create a core collection of reference works, primary sources, and research monographs relating to Chinese cultures, especially art, history, literature, and philosophy. Through regular purchases and gifts/donations from various organizations and individuals, we are rapidly achieving this goal. In less than three years, the Chinese collection is approaching 12,000 volumes, the majority of which are significant reference tools and primary sources. The Collection also houses several 19th century woodblock rare editions, such as Yan Jing Shi Ji / 揅經室集 (文選樓1823 年刻本)， Si Yi Tang Ji / 思益堂集 （1834 年刻本），Sheng Wu Ji / 聖武記 (1842 年 刻本). With continuous support from the University and donors, the Chinese Collection can be expected to grow into a decent size in near future.
For more detailed information on materials in the Collection, please refer to the Reference Works and Monthly New Acquisitions Alert pages.
Noteworthy Acquisitions
- Si Ku Quan Shu (Wen Yuan Ge edition, full-text searchable CD-ROMs ) / 四庫全書 (文淵閣本，全文數據電子版)
- Si Ku San Ben Cong Shu Chu Bian, Xu Bian / 四庫善本叢書初編，續編
- Si Bu Cong Kan (full-text searchable CD-ROMS) / 四部叢刊 (全文數據電子版)
- Si Bu Cong Kan Chu Bian Suo Ben / 四部叢刊初編縮本
- Si Bu Bei Yao/ 四部備要 ( 2,500 volumes from the original Zhonghua edition in the 1930s)
- Yongle Da Dian / 永樂大典 (with index )
- Shi Tong /十通 (with index)
- Li Dai Shi Liao Bi Ji Cong Kan / 歷代史料筆記叢刊， including Tang Song Shi Liao Bi Ji Cong Kan / 唐宋史料筆記從刊，Yuan Ming Shi Liao Bi Ji Cong Kan / 元明史料筆記叢刊，Qing dai Shi Liao Bi Ji Cong Kan / 清代史料筆記叢刊.
- Minguo Cong Shu / 民國叢書 1-5 編 , 500 volumes
- Gu Yi Cong Shu San Bian / 古逸叢書三編
Significant Gifts / Donations
1. Qianlong Greatest Buddhist Canon / 乾隆大藏經
Binghamton University received a significant acquisition in February 2003, the Qianlong Da Zang Jing, 168 volumes (乾隆大藏經, 168 冊), donated by the Pureland Learning College (净宗學院). The Qianlong Great Buddhist Canon is considered the most authoritative Chinese version of Tripitaka.
A brief introuction of the Canon by The Amitabha Buddhist Society, Chicago:
"Unlike the Bible, the Quran, and other such texts, there is no single Buddhist text. Reflecting the two major branches of Buddhism are the Theravada and the Mahayana canons. Each of these is divided into three sections: sutras, precepts, and commentaries. The sutras are the recorded teachings of the Buddha, precepts are the rules for discipline and the commentaries are the commentarial writings on the Buddha's teachings. The Mahayana canon includes all the texts of the Theravada canon in addition to its own sutras and commentaries.
From the several versions of the Chinese Mahayana Canon currently available, we have chosen to print the Qianlong version. This set of one hundred and sixty-eight volumes (plus an index volume) is the most recent edition that had undergone the exhaustive examination process required for official certification by the emperor, in this case Emperor Qianlong of China, 1711-1799."
2. Yi-t’ung and An-chi Lou Wang Research Collection on Chinese Cultures
Through the joint efforts of the Libraries, the Asian and Asian American Studies Program, the Binghamton University Foundation, and a portion of the monies from the Freeman Foundation Grant earmarked for library acquisitions, Binghamton University has been able to secure the donation of over 4,435 volumes and 1,558 titles worth nearly $50,000 from the personal collection of Professor Emeritus Yi-t'ung Wang of the University of Pittsburgh through a bargain sale arrangement. The difference between the value of the collection and the purchase price is a gift to the University Foundation. In addition, Professor Wang donated $20,000 in cash to establish a permanent endowment. The annual expendable portion of this endowment will be used to purchase additional Chinese reference materials.
The collection, to be known as the Yi-t'ung and An-Chi Lou Wang Research Collection on Chinese Cultures, is in the process of being cataloged. Parts of the collection will be in stacks for regular circulation, while most of the materials, because of their rarity and special binding, will be housed in the Glenn G. Bartle Library's Special Collections. To view a complete catalog of the Wang Collection, please click here.
Upon donating his collection to BU, Prof. Wang wrote an essay in Chinese about his family's tradition of love and respect for books.
He also explained that he choose the University as the recipient of his prized collection because of its strong reputation for academics and large population of students of Asian descent.
To view the essay and related story, please visit Inside BU.
Support the Chinese Collection
The Binghamton University Libraries welcome gifts of books, journals, sound recordings, and other library-related Chinese materials. We also invite you to participate in our Honor with Books program to pay a lasting tribute to a special person in your life. If you wish to celebrate a special occasion, honor a friend, family member, favorite professor or acknowledge an accomplishment, the Honor with Books program is an ideal opportunity.
For Gifts of Books, please contact:
Caryl
Ward
Head of Acquisitions Department
University Libraries, Binghamton University, State University of New York
P.O.Box 6012
Binghamton, NY 13902-6012
Telephone: 607-777-4926
For Honor with Books, please contact:
John
M. Meador, Jr.
Director of Libraries
University Libraries
Binghamton University
P.O. Box 6012
Binghamton, New York 13902-6012
Telephone: 607-777-2346
Fax: 607-777-4848
Questions relating to Chinese gifts and donations can also be directed to Julie Wang. Please feel free to speak or write in Chinese when you contact her.
Julie Wang
Asian Studies Librarian
University Libraries, Binghamton University, State University of New York
P.O.Box 6012
Binghamton, NY 13902-6012
Telephone: 607-777-2190
Fax: 607-777-4848
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