Library alliance along Silk Road boosts common development

CHENGDU, May 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 libraries from countries and regions along the Silk Road organized into an alliance Monday to cooperate on document sharing, classics protection and digitalization.

Initiated by the National Library of China (NLC), the alliance has the first batch of 24 members from countries and regions such as Bangladesh, Belarus, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Han Yongjin, curator of the NLC, said that libraries along the Silk Road by land and sea had unbalanced development and exchange experience.

"The alliance will drive the common development of the industry," Han said.

The cooperation between alliance members will range from document resources sharing, storage and protection of classics, to digital library building and talent training.

The alliance can also help members seek funds, personnel and technical support for projects such as improving facilities and setting up digital libraries.