Popularizing science in the libraries: The case of China

The economic upsurge in China is considered to be directly related to innovations, and citizens’ science literacy become the key factor of national development. The author discusses the findings of the study of the Chinese libraries’ role in knowledge promotion. She demonstrate their historical evolution – from closed depositaries to public educational centers. Within the framework of the world sci-tech leadership strategy, adopted up to the year 2050, the Chinese People’s Republic has been building the centralized system of science popularization with the libraries as the most significant infrastructural actors. The author examines the key regulative documents and demonstrates that the libraries extensively implement diverse formats of events – from lectures to interactive experiments, facilitating science literacy and popularity of non-fiction literature. The author concludes that the Chinese case is the unique experience of system integration of the libraries into the national strategy for innovative development. This experience combines legislative support, historical continuity and response to current technological challenges, which makes it valuable for every nation strengthening the role of libraries as cultural and educational institutions in building innovative economies.