The Asian Library at the University of British Columbia is celebrating its 60th anniversary with an online exhibit that explores the history and development of the branch. The exhibit is divided into five sections that detail the buildings and spaces, collections, research, learning and teaching, community engagement and people of the Asian Library through stories written by the library’s faculty, staff and student staff. An interactive timeline is also set up with snapshots and captions of key events throughout the branch’s history.
“This year we cannot celebrate in person due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but we can celebrate virtually. Members of Asian Library have put together this online exhibit in celebration of this momentous anniversary,” says Adolfo Tarango, current Acting Head of Asian Library, in his introductory message to the exhibit.
Established in 1960, the Asian Studies division was originally located on the sixth floor of the UBC Main Library, where the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre now stands. Construction of the Asian Centre building, which began in 1974, is chronicled in the exhibit and includes photos from the University Archives of the early stages of building through to the move. More recent renovations are also included in the exhibit.
Personal testimonials from UBC faculty, students and alumni are also included in the exhibit, describing how the Asian Library has supported their research, learning and teaching through the branch’s collections and services. Librarians go on to provide a curated look at the collections, highlighting their “unsung treasures” in the various language collections. Electronic resources, which can be accessed remotely, are also showcased.