How could I registrate in Chinese libraries?

[basmalah_s]

Good afternoon!

I am preparing my master degree in the Chinese translation field in Egypt, and I urgently in need to have books and researches concerning this field, so I tried to contact some Chinese universities to know how could I registrate in these libraries online, but I didn't receive answers yet, so would you help me by telling my which Chinese universities or libraries would offer services (borrowing, downloading or even just reading researches and books) through registration online, and how can I registrate in it؟

And thanks in advance.

[skylee]

Would your university have the information you want? I mean this is fairly basic support for students, right?

[knickherboots]

Yes, it does seem like a pretty basic question, and that the first stop should be the university's library. However, if there are no resources there and your supervising professor is not helpful, perhaps you could visit the Confucius Institute at the University of Cairo and ask for some guidance there.

http://www.chinese.cn/hanban_en/article/2010-06/21/content_145970.htm

[Lu]

Many libraries are connected to the Inter-Library Loan system, Chinese libraries likely won't lend books to someone halfway across the world, but they will lend them to other libraries. Ask your university library about this, or if they don't know it/won't help you, the biggest library you can find near you (national library?). This would likely be the best way to get the books you need. I don't think there are many libraries who have much of their stuff online, and there will be even fewer libraries willing to lend to an unknown patron on the other end of the world.

Good luck!

[amandagmu]

I don't know of any Chinese library in China that will allow you to register on their website and have materials sent to you. As noted above you need to find an Interlibrary Loan system through a university in your country and get things delivered to that library. You probably need to use a system like WorldCat to find the book... usually it's the kind of thing that's linked from your university library's website. Also, even if you don't know them now, meeting or calling the librarians at your university on in your home country's national library can be immensely helpful --- these people can often locate your materials for you as well, if you ask nicely for help. Tell them your subject matter, or what kinds of things you're looking for, and ask how to get the books/materials delivered to you.

I do not hold out hope for you getting any direct help from the libraries in Beijing. They were difficult to deal with even in person.

[xiaocai]

AFAIK, most Chinese university libraries are only open for their students as the running cost is covered by government funding (mainly) and, to much lesser extent tuition fees. Public libraries are only open for Chinese citizens or people holding a valid Chinese visa, as again, they are supported mainly by government grants, which are tax money. There are many Chinese online databases that you can register to become a member, such as CNKI, but membership fees do apply and you may need to pay extra if you wish to download items instead of just viewing them online.

I agree with skylee that the references you need for your research should be supplied by the university you have enrolled in. And as a student, I think you have to right to request for locating items that you uni lib does not have. Because I think it is their obligation to ensure its students have access to up-to-date information in fields they study.