On May 20, 2025, Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library team visited the Shanghai Library for a day of professional exchange and collaborative learning. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between DKU Library and Shanghai Library, the leading Chinese public library. It also provided a platform to explore better practices in library services and inspire new ideas for future development.
The morning session took place at the Shanghai Library on Huaihai Road, where the DKU Library team met with librarians from three departments of the Shanghai Library: the Library and Information Science Research Center, the Acquisition and Cataloguing Center, and the Computer and Network Center.
The dialogue opened with welcoming remarks from Yun Qu, Director of the Library and Information Science Research Center at Shanghai Library, and Mengjie Zou, Interim University Librarian at DKU. After brief introductions to each library’s structure and services, participants split into three focus groups to exchange insights on their respective areas of expertise.
In the library and information science research group, discussions centered on strategies to support academic research, the use of digital humanities resources, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in the field of library science. Qu emphasized that despite the rise of AI tools, authoritative information curated by librarians remains an irreplaceable asset especially in decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, the acquisition and cataloging group exchanged practical experiences in acquiring and processing Chinese and English resources, managing donations, and preserving aged collections. They also explored strategies for staff development and collaborative learning.
The computer and network group focused on the emerging trends in AI and library system infrastructure. The Shanghai Library librarians shared their experiences from an AI interest group and their ongoing experiments in intelligent acquisition and metadata enhancement.
Reflecting on the exchange, DKU Research and Instruction Librarian Dr. Andrew Lee noted the goals in common between public and academic libraries. “This visit reinforced my understanding of the distinct roles that public and academic libraries play. While our collections and patrons may differ, our shared mission to serve the public remains the same,” Dr. Lee said.
In the afternoon, DKU Library team visited the Shanghai Library East. Officially opened in 2022, the library was designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, blending cultural richness with elements of nature.
The visit showcased how innovation is being integrated with the traditional practices in libraries. Among the many highlights were smart reading features such as interactive guide robots and intelligent bookshelves that pinpoint the exact location of a book, offering a glimpse into the future of library user experience.
DKU Library team also toured several exhibitions and innovative spaces in Shanghai Library East, getting a closer look at the public library’s concept of space design, artifacts display, and interactive knowledge sharing.
The featured exhibition was the “Legend of Fantastic Creatures” . Two years in the making, the exhibition offers an immersive cultural experience by combining ancient texts, historical artifacts, and modern multimedia together.
Xue Qiu, Senior Coordinator for Outreach and Learning Resource Management at DKU, shared her impressions. “This exhibition completely overturned my previous perception that rare book displays are too academic or lack engagement. From historical maps to multimedia experiences, everything felt vibrant and relevant,” Qiu commented.
Established in 1952, the Shanghai Library has been a leading institution serving the public, enterprises, and government agencies. Following its 1995 merger with the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of Shanghai, the library evolved into a comprehensive research hub. It stands at the forefront of digital humanities, actively translating research outcomes into innovative public education initiatives.
Looking ahead, DKU Library is committed to continuing its dialogue with Shanghai Library and other institutions to further explore the future of library services through partnership, innovation, and shared learning.
