East Asian Library enjoys 50th year

Monday, November 2, 1998

East Asian Library enjoys 50th year

ANNIVERSARY: Archive to expand, augment its 400,000 book
collection

By Katie Sierra

Daily Bruin Contributor

Fifty years ago, the East Asian Library was just a dream. Only
one book made up the future collection of thousands: a Shanghai
telephone directory.

Friday, the East Asian Library, along with the Department of
East Asian Languages and Cultures celebrated their 50th
anniversary. The library has grown with the support of the East
Asian studies department, now housing more than 400,000
volumes.

During the ceremony, Chancellor Albert Carnesale congratulated
the library and the East Asian studies department for the role they
have played in developing well-rounded students.

"This international focus enhances the learning of all of our
students whether they’re studying international affairs or not,"
Carnesale said.

"It’s just the multicultural perspective … that helps us to
prepare leaders for a world that just keeps shrinking," he
added.

During the ceremony, many noted the growth that the East Asian
studies department and East Asian library have experienced.

While the library now has the 12th largest collection of East
Asian volumes in all of North America, it hopes to soon become one
of the top 10 East Asian libraries.

Robert Buswell, director of the International Studies and
Overseas Programs with the Center for Korean studies, said he was
not surprised by the success of the East Asian studies department
and library.

He said UCLA’s interest in East Asian studies has a lot to do
with Los Angeles’ economy.

"When you look at the economy in Los Angeles, most of our trade
comes out of East Asia. There is a lot of interaction between Los
Angeles and East Asia," Buswell said.

However, the East Asian studies department and library were not
always strong programs at UCLA.

In 1947 Richard Rudolph, founder of the East Asian library and
former chairman of the Department of Oriental Languages, traveled
to China to purchase books in order to expand the Chinese
department at UCLA.

During this time, China was in the midst of a revolution and
heavy fighting. While there was immense pressure for foreigners to
evacuate the city, Rudolph did not let these obstacles get in the
way of his mission. Before he left China he had purchased over
9,000 volumes of Asian literature.

"I wanted to get more books for the library, and I wanted to get
more books for myself," Rudolph said. "But I guess the main thing
was that I just didn’t want to be forced to leave."

Speakers also discussed the future of the East Asian library and
studies department.

Plans are being made to move the East Asian library from its
current location on the second floor of the Charles E. Young
Research Library to a brand new wing, the East Asia Pavilion.

This will be the first major addition to the Research Library
since its construction in the early 1960s. The new wing will house
both the East Asian Library and the administrative offices for the
five research and study centers that focus on East Asian
studies.

In recognition of the library’s 50th anniversary, there will be
an exhibit showcasing some of the rare materials from the East
Asian Library’s collection. The exhibit includes manuscripts and
texts dating from the eighth century to present day.

Especially rare and valuable was a handwritten manuscript in
gold on blue-dyed paper ruled with silver lines that was only on
exhibit for the duration of the ceremony.

This exhibit will be on display in the lobby of the Charles E.
Young Research Library until Nov. 30.DANIELA DECCA

Chancellor Albert Carnesale (left) receives a proclamation from
Gloria Werner of the Los Angeles City Council commemorating 50
years of the East Asian Library at UCLA.

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