Attempts to modernize Chinese libraries to serve the public and to
support educational endeavors began in the late 19th century with considerable
American participation. Individual American librarians (especially Miss Mary
Elizabeth Wood), libraries, and library science schools, the American Library
Association, the Government and Library of Congress, and others made significant
contributions to modern library development in China. This paper reviews major
American contributions by historical era: Pre-Republican China, The Repid
Modernization Movement, The Sina-Japanese and Civil Wars (1937-1949), Founding
of the People's Republic of China to the End of the Cultural Revolution,
Developments in Taiwan, and The New Era for Library Development after 1976.
Cooperation again is bringing together Chinese and American librarians to the
benefit of both nations.