Shanghai Library

The Shanghai Library is a major municipal public library in Shanghai, China. It serves as a massive center for learning and information for the city. This institution is also known as the Shanghai Institute of Scientific and Technological Information. It is recognized as one of the largest libraries on the planet. The library provides resources for many different types of research and study. It plays a vital role in the cultural and educational life of Shanghai.

The library operates through a large network of facilities and collections. Its main building is located in the Xuhui district. There is also a branch hall located in the Pudong area. The library manages a vast collection of 58 million volumes. A volume can refer to a single book or one part of a larger set. This massive collection is organized to support both general reading and deep research. The library also functions as a comprehensive information research center.

The institution has grown through several important mergers over many decades. In 1958, the library became much larger by joining with three other local institutions. First, it merged with the Shanghai City Science and Technology Library. This science library was formerly known as the Mingfu Library. Second, it merged with the Shanghai City Newspaper Library, which was once the Hongying Library. Third, it merged with the Shanghai City Historical Documents Library, formerly called the United Library. These mergers helped the library become the second largest public library in China.

History shows how the library's management and purpose have changed over time. The People's Liberation Army founded the library in 1952. Specifically, the Shanghai Military Management Committee of the People's Liberation Army started the institution. Later, the library was transferred to the management of the Shanghai civil government. In November 1958, the Shanghai Institute of Scientific and Technical Information was established. In October 1995, the Shanghai Library and the science institute merged together. This merger created a research-oriented public library.

The physical scale of the library is truly impressive. The main building stands 24 stories tall. It reaches a height of 348 feet, which is about 106 meters. This makes it the second tallest library in the entire world. The only library taller than this one is the National Library of Indonesia in Jakarta. These massive numbers show the library's importance as a landmark. Its size reflects the enormous amount of information it holds for the public.

Today, the Shanghai Library holds a very high status in the library community. It is classified as a national first-class library. It is also considered a national first-grade library in China. This status means it meets very high standards for its collections and services. It follows the National Library of China in terms of size and importance. The library is a key part of the information systems in the People's Republic of China. It serves as a model for other large-scale public institutions.

The library is connected to many different fields of study and organization. It uses the Chinese Library Classification, or CLC, to organize its materials. It also works closely with archives throughout the country. Because it is a research-oriented center, it connects people to scientific and technical data. This makes it useful for students, scientists, and historians alike. The library's role as an information center helps support the broader knowledge systems of the city and the nation.