Luce/ACLS China Studies Digital Mapping Project

The field of China studies faces a growing set of challenges. State censorship, heighted geopolitical tensions, and the lasting effects of the pandemic have exacerbated longstanding barriers to research at a moment when scholarship on China has never been more crucial. With the support of the Henry Luce Foundation, ACLS has been working closely with scholars, experts, and practitioners in China studies to study impactful interventions that respond to the collective needs of the field. Building on these collaborative efforts, the Luce/ACLS Program in China Studies in 2024 launched the China Studies Digital Mapping Project to organize support for scholars and institutions engaged in research amid a uniquely challenging environment.

The Mapping Project is an ongoing initiative that aims to enhance and expand access to primary materials and source collections that are vital to the advancement of the China Studies field. The project and website are comprised of three main elements: a directory of open databases and free resources for China studies research; an access plan to enable scholars to utilize databases and collections at key institutions regardless of affiliation; and a knowledge base of best practices for groups seeking to establish new digital repositories. The project is led by ACLS Special Projects Researcher JM Chris Chang in consultation with researchers, librarians, and data specialists from several partner institutions. The Mapping Project is intended to complement the newly launched Luce/ACLS Collaborative Grant in China Studies, which provides support to innovative initiatives that work toward long-term change in the field.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

SURVEY

An online directory providing detailed information on open access databases, repositories, and subject guides for for China studies researchers

OPEN ACCESS WORKFLOWS

A knowledge base and guide to best practices for scholars and organizations seeking to digitize and preserve significant collections of primary material

COMMON ACCESS

A list of access partners offering walk-in services to non-affiliated scholars at key China studies libraries and research centers in North America

We welcome feedback or inquiries on the Mapping Project at chinastudies@acls.org.