Abstract
This study investigates the adaption and digitalization development of Buddhist libraries in the current mobile computing age and proposes a three-level pyramid model of Buddhist library digitalization. The cases studied include the functions, missions, and objectives of the Yunlin Buddhist Library in Lingyin Temple, Mainland China; the Luminary Buddhist Institute Library in Taiwan; and the Buddhist Digital Resource Center (BDRC) in America. In particular, their path of development, objectives, achievements, and obstacles are analyzed. This case study provide some examples for maintaining digital Buddhist databases and physical Buddhist libraries in these temples for sustainable development.
TopIntroduction
Buddhist library originates from Buddhist Sutra Mansions. Collections are organized in simple rules for monks, Buddhists, and scholars to read and learn. The construction funds are mainly received from governments and individual donations. Collections include different physical formats such as books issued by states, carved works by monks and Buddhists, commodity books purchased from the market, and scattered preservation selected from various sources. Traditionally, physical media include paper, stone, and Bayeux tree trunks (Huang, 2011b). Research on collection management, communication, openness, and preservation of Buddhist libraries could be traced to these Buddhist Sutra Mansions.
However, limited by time, technology, and lack of standards, vast Buddhist collections keep the traditional ways of management (Huang, 2011a). Master Taixu (1889-1947) was one of the most famous eminent monks in modern China. He devoted all his life to reforming modern Chinese Buddhism, actively promoting the establishment of modern Chinese Buddhism libraries, and thus became one of the most remarkable founders. In 1932, master Taixu founded the World Buddhist Center Library in Wuchang and opened resources to the public, a milestone in library development history (Li, 2014). Table 1 provides a glimpse of some early Chinese Buddhist libraries (Zhuo, 2012a; 2012b).
Table 1. Earlier Buddhist libraries in China
| Establish | Name | Collection | Service |
| 1930 | Shanghai Buddhist Bookstore | Physical works | Open to distant readers |
| 1932 | World Buddhist Center Library | Physical works | Open to public |
| 1940 | Dalun Law Library | Physical works | Termly openness |
| 1942 | Shanghai Buddhist Institute Library | Physical works | Internal openness |
| 1946 | Shanghai Buddhist Youth Association Library | Physical works | Open to public |
| 1948 | Xingci Middle School Library | Physical works | Internal openness |
Key Terms in this Chapter
Yunlin Buddhist Library: A religious librry established in 2003 as an internal library in Lingyin Temple, a Buddhist temple in Hangzhou, China.
Special Libraries: A type of library providing information resources and services specialized and restricted to a particular group of clientele, normally small in size. Examples include museum libraries, law libraries, theological libraies, and libraries for students with special education needs.
Digitalization: A process of moving the libraries to provide services digitally, using digital technologies to alter the mode of library services and enhance the quality of services to users in the case of libraries.