1) Implementation of Preliminary Survey for Use to Support the Automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies

In response to a request from The Japan Foundation, the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies, NACSIS carried out a preliminary survey to be used to support the automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies between April 10 and 18, 1998. The Beijing Center for Japanese Studies is a facility located at Beijing Foreign Studies University that was established cooperatively by The Japan Foundation and the Chinese Ministry of Education. Funded by The Japan Foundation, it plays a key role in the area of Japanese studies in China. The main items covered in the survey were the present status of the catalog, the circulation system, etc., of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies; the condition of the academic research network within China; and the present status of efforts to automate the operations of university libraries in China. A report of the results of the survey has been submitted to The Japan Foundation.

2) Establishment of “Science Information Exchange Project with China”

The preliminary survey clearly showed that in addition to support for the automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies, research, etc., aimed at encouraging the flow of academic information between Japan and China should be undertaken.

With this in mind, NACSIS has drawn up a three-year plan for a “Science Information Exchange Project with China” that will act as an organization to study, research, and implement policies aimed at encouraging further exchanges of scholarly information between Japan and China.

3) Preparatory Work to Promote the Automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies and the Holding of a Workshop to Support Automation

As part of the activities for the first year preparatory work to promote the automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies was undertaken from October 18 to 25, and on-site guidance was provided.

Moreover, a workshop aimed at publicizing the automation plans among related institutions in Beijing, encouraging exchanges with scholars in the Beijing region, and surveying methods of exchanging science information between Japan and China was held on October 22 at the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies. The workshop was sponsored jointly by the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies and NACSIS. Presentations were delivered on the topics listed below at the workshop.

The workshop was attended by 70 persons. This opportunity for a mutual deepening of understanding of the science information systems of the two countries was an extremely significant event for people who will be involved in the dissemination of science information in both Japan and China in the years to come.

4) Holding of a Second Workshop to Support Automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies

A report on the preparatory work to promote automation in Beijing and the workshop in October was delivered at the “Second Workshop to Support Automation of the Library of the Beijing Center for Japanese Studies,” which was held at the Karuizawa Seminar House for Advanced Studies on December 1 and 2.

In addition, an explanation of the operation, etc., of the proposed system was made by the Saga University Library, where a system similar to the one to be installed in Beijing is already in use.

Also, an overview description of the training session for personnel invited from China, which is planned for January 1999, was presented and an exchange of views took place.