The queen of the modern library movement in China: Mary Elizabeth Wood

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the great contributions made by the American library expert, Mary Elizabeth Wood, to Chinese library development.

Design/methodology/approach

As a pioneer of the modern library movement Mary Elizabeth Wood devoted herself to a Chinese library career. It was structured according to the following theme: setting up the Boone Library and introducing the modern American public library into China; establishing Boone Library School and initiating Chinese library science education; raising money and appealing for China's library development; helping forward the foundation of the Library Association of China; as well as promoting Chinese library intercommunion and cooperation with the West.

Findings

With the background of underdeveloped Chinese librarianship, Mary Elizabeth Wood introduced modern American public library spirit into China, opened the gate of Chinese library science, and promoted Chinese library science.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses the library history of China and the role of an American librarian in Chinese library history; thus, it should be of wide interest to researchers involved in library history.

Originality/value

Mary Elizabeth Wood devoted herself to a Chinese library career, and promoted Chinese library science greatly, but research on her is limited. This paper considers her contribution to Chinese library science.

Citation

Zheng, J., Deng, C., Cheng, S., Liu, W. and Wang, A. (2010), "The queen of the modern library movement in China: Mary Elizabeth Wood", Library Review, Vol. 59 No. 5, pp. 341-349. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531011047037