2026 | Vancouver, BC
Theme: Reimagining East Asian Libraries and Collections Opportunities and Collaborations
For nearly seven decades, the United States has stood as a global leader in International and Area Studies. Its higher education institutions have produced world-renowned scholars and published more monographs on East Asian Studies than the combined output of the next four countries in the field. U.S.-based East Asian Studies programs have trained generations of students from around the world, offering perspectives and resources often unavailable in their home countries. Today, however, we face a critical juncture. Deep and unprecedented cuts to financial support, the withholding of research funding, the elimination of area studies librarian positions, the suspension of graduate programs, and the dismantling federal support dedicated to library and museum have created a deeply concerning landscape. These developments threaten the vitality of East Asian libraries and collections and cast uncertainty over the future of our work. In response, CEAL is actively pursuing new opportunities for collaboration with partners who share our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. We aim to strengthen international partnerships, support open access initiatives, and promote primary source literacy—ensuring that our collections and services remain vibrant, accessible, and relevant.
This year’s theme, Reimagining East Asian Libraries and Collections, invites reflection and dialogue among University Librarians, East Asian studies librarians and faculty members, funding agency representatives, and other stakeholders. Together, we will explore how East Asian libraries can deepen engagement with core campus communities, build meaningful connections with local audiences, and reaffirm their critical role in a rapidly changing academic and political environment. In an era marked by geopolitical tension, financial uncertainty, shifting policies, and shrink academic programs, CEAL is committed to building sustainable, collaborative, and globally connected futures. We look forward to engaging with all CEAL members working together to identify key areas for action and to reimagine what East Asian libraries and collections can become.
Plenary Session I - Keynote Speakers
East Asian Collections in the 21st Century: Reflecting on the Past and Embracing the Future
- Dr. Peter Zhou, Former Assistant University Librarian and Director Emeritus of the C.V. Starr East Asian Library, University of California, Berkeley
A Fork in the Road: AI Dependency and the Future of Libraries and Collections
- Dr. David Magier, Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access Services, Princeton University
Plenary Session II - Roundtable Discussion
- Dr. Peter Zhou, Former Assistant University Librarian and Director Emeritus of the C.V. Starr East Asian Library, University of California, Berkeley
- Dr. David Magier, Associate University Librarian for Collections and Access Services, Princeton University
- Dr. Sixiang Wang, Associate Professor, Asian Languages and Cultures, UCLA
- Dr. Daniel Fried, Professor and Chair of East Asian Studies Department, Faculty of Art, University of Alberta
- Dr. Kelly McCormick, Assistant Professor of History, University of British Columbia
- Joshua Seufert, Chinese Studies Librarian, East Asian Library, Princeton University
- Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
- Dr. Rebecca Mendelson, Japanese Studies Librarian and Korean Studies Liaison, University of Pennsylvania
- Steve Smith, CEO, Global Knowledge Initiative, GKI- Alycia Ikegami, Program Coordinator, GKI
Reimagining East Asian Libraries/Collections: Opportunities and Collaborations
Jorei-Web for AI: Enabling Cross-Municipal Japanese Ordinance Search from Generative AI Assistants via an MCP-based Endpoint
- Takashi Harada, Professor, Yashima Gakuen University (Japan)
- Tomomi Miyazawa, Jorei-Web Project (Japan)
- Minako Nishiura, Assistant Professor, Doshisha University (Japan)
- Nachi Inoue, Lecturer, Kindai University (Japan)
- Ryuji Yoshimoto, CEO, Carlil Inc. (Japan)
- Takanori Kawashima, Jorei-Web Project, (Japan)
- Sho Sato, Professor, Doshisha University (Japan)
Exploration of using MarcEdit Delimited Text Translator to convert Excel data from the UW Gaihōzu inventory into MARC records
- Keiko Hill, Japanese Cataloging Librarian/EA Serials and E-Resources Cataloging Librarian, University of Washington Libraries
- Jian Ping Lee, Chinese Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, University of Washington Libraries
Looking Back, Moving Forward: 40 Years of the USC Korean Heritage Library
- Jungeun Hong, Korean Heritage Library Liaison, University of Southern California
- Olivia Sooha Han, MFA, Interactive Media & Games, School of Cinematic Arts, University of Southern California
Working Towards Digital Accessibility: A Continuous Conversation
- Lucy Li, China Studies Librarian, University of Washington
- Shuqi Ye, East Asian Studies Librarian, University of Minnesota
A Mexican Library’s Integration of the National Diet Library’s DCTL Service: A First-Year Overview
- Benito Castro Pérez, Academic Librarian at the Daniel Cosío Villegas Library; Bibliographer assigned to the Center for Asian and African Studies
Video presentation
Uyuweesabira! (Let’s Celebrate!): A Special Year for Okinawa Collections at Two Universities
- Lynette Teruya, Okinawan Studies Librarian, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Kristen Luck, Okinawa Collection and Japan Resource Center Librarian, George Washington University
How to Enhance Information Literacy for Asian Studies Students: Surveying UBC Asian Library’s Instructional Materials Using the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
- Nemo (Xiaoyue) Xu, MAS/MLIS Student, School of Information, University of British Columbia
Membership Forum
● Introduction
● Roundtable discussions
■ How is AI incorporated in your library work or institution in general?
- discussion led by Saeyong Kim Korean Studies and Dentistry-Medicine
Reference Librarian, Asian Library | Woodward Library; University of British Columbia
■ Can you share experiences in securing grants to support special projects when facing the
sweeping budget cuts?
- discussion led by Xi Chen Sally T. WongAvery Librarian for Chinese Studies Librarian
and East Asia Collection Strategist, UC San Diego
■ How do we get started with publishing as new librarians
- discussion led by Lynette Teruya Okinawan Studies Librarian, University of
Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
■ Can you talk about academic review/promotion for new and mid-career librarians?
- discussion led by Adam Lisbon Associate Professor Japanese & Korean
Studies Librarian, University of Colorado Boulder
2026 Annual CEAL Meeting ERMB Session
March 11, 6:30-7:30 pm
Librarians as Partners in Knowledge Infrastructure: Metadata and Collaborative East Asian Digital Projects
The Committee on Electronic Resources Metadata Standards Best Practices (ERMB) presents a panel on collaborative digital collections in East Asian Studies, emphasizing the central role of librarians in metadata creation and maintenance. As libraries adopt shared digital infrastructures, collaborative metadata becomes essential for ensuring the visibility and accessibility of East Asian collections within global research networks. Spotlighting two pioneering initiatives—From the Ground Up: Buddhism and East Asian Religions (FROGBEAR) and the Sally T. WongAvery Digital Collection—this panel will explore both the opportunities and challenges in developing collaborative metadata. In doing so, it will underscore the vital role of library-led initiatives in advancing the long-term visibility, accessibility, and preservation of East Asian collections.
Presentation 1:
This project explores “From the Ground Up: Buddhism and East Asian Religions (FROGBEAR),” a major grant-funded project that trains emerging scholars through onsite research and innovative digital methods, building an open-access repository of texts, images, and practices. Supported by the Tianzhu Global Network for the Study of Buddhist Cultures, the Glorisun Global Network for Buddhist Studies, and the Yin-Cheng Network for Buddhist Studies, it fosters global collaboration and expands both public and scholarly understanding of Buddhism and East Asian religions in historical and contemporary contexts. Its Asian language collection is stored in the University of British Columbia repository.
Speakers:
Amber Saundry, Digital Repository Librarian, University of British Columbia
Kelly Gauvin, Digital Repository Specialist, University of British Columbia
Presentation 2:
Sally T. WongAvery Digital Collections for Chinese Materials
This project explores the Sally T. WongAvery Digital Collections of Chinese Materials (Cambridge collection and UCSD collection) , part of a three-year collaborative project between Cambridge University Libraries and University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Library. Supported by the Avery-Tsui Foundation, it uses cutting-edge digitization to make rare Chinese texts, artifacts, and manuscripts accessible worldwide. By opening these collections to scholars and the public, the project transforms research and education across disciplines while preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The project involves digitization, scholarly exchange, and staff exchange.
Speakers:
Yan He, Head of Chinese Section, Cambridge University Library (TBC)
Shi Deng, Head, CJK Cataloging & Metadata Unit, UC San Diego
Xi Chen, Sally T. WongAvery Librarian for Chinese Studies Librarian and East Asia Collection Strategist, UC San Diego
Theme: Better Together: Stories of Collaboration
CKM’s session will focus on collaboration as a vital element of our daily practice. This session will showcase the diverse ways CEAL members engage in collaborative work for Korean Studies and the meaningful outcomes that result. From partnerships among library colleagues to joint initiatives with faculty, students, or community members, these stories will highlight both the challenges and rewards of working together across different contexts. The session will feature three invited presenters, preferably each representing a distinct channel of collaboration. Their projects will serve as case studies, offering insights into best practices, innovative strategies, and lessons learned. To further broaden perspectives, we may also issue a call for proposals through Eastlib, encouraging CEAL members to share their experiences.
Presentations:
Building the Bibliography of Modern Korean Periodicals: Collaborative Digital Infrastructure and Shared Practice by Jee-Young Park, Korean Studies Librarian, Stanford University & Dr. Jude Yang, Korean Studies Librarian, Yale University
From Collections to Connectivity: Infrastructure for Korean Studies at the Berlin State Library by Dr. Dr. Jing Hu, Subject Specialist for Korea, Berlin State Library
March 12, 10:15 – 11:15am
Presenters:
Cataloging Chinese Film Posters: Challenges and AI Solutions
- Haiqing Lin, Head, Technical Services C.V. Starr East Asian Library, University of California, Berkeley
- Adam Lisbon, Associate Professor, Japanese & Korean Studies Librarian, University of Colorado Boulder
- Cecilia Zhang, Chinese Studies Librarian, University of Kansas
- Adrienne E. Sanders, MLS, Rare Materials Cataloging Librarian, University of Kansas
Committee on Japanese Materials Session, CEAL 2026 Annual Meeting
Theme: Collaborating to Build Local and Global Collections and Communities for Japanese Studies
Program Description: The 2026 CJM Program features three presentations on the theme of collaboration in building local and global collections and communities for Japanese Studies. In a time of reduced budgets and staff shortages, it’s more important than ever for libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions to work together to openly share research materials that they produce, including digital archives, texts, and research outcomes. This program explores where these collaborations are happening and how we can all contribute to them.
CCM Pre-Conference (7:30 - 9:30 PM, January 19, 2026)
Online Panel Discussion: Research on China
Program Description: Join us for an engaging discussion with students, scholars and librarians. The panel will explore challenges, strategies, and opportunities for research using archives, rare materials, and oral history.
- Discovering Chinese Archives through Archival Handbooks and Geo-referencing
Joshua M. Seufert, East Asian Library, Princeton University - China Studies in 2026: Access, Funding, Challenges, and Opportunities
JM Chris Chang, Program Officer in China Studies, American Council of Learned Societies - Exploring Yiqi (㇐汽): Insights from Archives and Interviews
Fiona Li, University of British Columbia - Uncovering the Hidden History of Chinese Trotskyism
Sean James, University of British Columbia - Unlikely Collections- Finding Hong Kong and Chinese Sources Close to Home in the New Age of Borders
Quinton Huang, University of Toronto - Sources on Late Imperial China in National and Provincial Archives
Jerry Yang, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Toronto - Hunting Mao Era Sources in Today's China
Shutong Wang, PhD student, Department of History, University of Texas at Austin
CCM Program (2:00 to 3:00 PM, March 12, 2026)
Theme: Resilience Amid Change: Sustaining Chinese Library Collections and Services
- Leveraging LLMs for Digital Resilience: An Innovative Approach to Unlocking Early Chinese Migrant History
Helen Tang, Public Services Librarian, University of Toronto - Staying Nimble in Uncertain Times: Responding to Tariff and Accessibility Changes for Chinese Collections
Veronica Fu, East Asian Studies and Education Librarian, University of Notre Dame - Sustaining Cultural Memory: Resilience in Digitizing Hong Kong Film & TV Ephemera
Wing Wong, Head of Resource Discovery and Management, Hong Kong Baptist University Library - One Sky, Shared Curiosity: The Librarian’s Role in Fostering Dialogue Between Science and the Humanities
Runxiao Zhu, Head, East Asian Library, University of Pittsburgh
CCM Evening Session: Gathering of Minds and Markets (7:30 to 8:30 PM, March 11, 2026)
- The Market Transformation of Academic Ideas ——Practical Paths of Premium Books by Guangxi Normal University Press
Tang Wenhui, Guangxi Normal University Press - Expanding Access to Chinese Studies: New Databases from CEPIEC
Fang Cui, China Educational Publications Import & Export Corporation Ltd. - Adapting to the Changing Demand for Chinese Research Materials
Yali Liu & Jason Dai, Wanfang Data - Integrating Taiwan’s Digital Publishing on the Only Accessible eBook Platform
Lancy Wang, Hyweb Knowledge Co. Ltd - Integrating Sinological Knowledge: Recent Developments in the Chinese Dictionary Compendium
Roland Borsos, Roland Borsos Software Solutions & Consulting - Chinese Knowledge Services: From Journals to an Integrated, Cross-Platform Research Ecosystem
Yenhsuen Li, Airiti Inc. - Application of AI Librarians in a University Library
Yaning Zhu, New Var, Inc.
Partnering for Public Services
The role that East Asian Studies librarians play in public services is multifaceted. It may involve partnership with campus units and other institutions. It may involve teamwork with colleagues outside EAS subject areas. Presenters were invited to share their experience collaborating with library colleagues, campus partners, or community members in a variety of public services activities (e.g., instruction, events, programmatic initiatives, etc.) and the strategies they adopted in developing, nurturing, and reimagining partnerships.
Participating in Campus Community Programs: The Benefits of Being “Taken Over” by Kids
- Shirin Eshghi Furuzawa, Head, Asian Library, University of British Columbia
- Mizuki Giffin, MLIS Student, School of Information, University of British Columbia
International collaborations with East Asian partners and the International Dunhuang Programme
- Sara Chiesura, Head, East Asian Collections, British Library
How do East Asian Studies faculty seek information: Identifying gaps and public service opportunities
- Cheng Yin Zhu, Research Librarian (Management), University of Ottawa
Piecing the Puzzle Together: Uncovering the Legacy of Early Chinese Students in the U.S. Through Collaboration
- Ying Zhang, Research Librarian for Asian Studies, UC Irvine
- Anlin Yang, East Asian Studies Librarian, University of Wisconsin-Madison
AI Town Hall for East Asian Librarians
This interactive session will begin with the results of a survey on AI adoption and impact across technical services, collections, and public services, conducted by the Library Technology Committee through Eastlib. A panel of librarians will then share experiences and perspectives, followed by an open forum discussion. The program is designed in a “town hall” style, encouraging active audience participation and dialogue. Together, we will explore both the opportunities and challenges of AI in our profession, while also highlighting what AI cannot replace: human connection, collaboration, and community.
Survey on Generative AI Adoption & Impact in East Asian Librarianship: Preliminary Findings
- Tang Li (University of Southern California)
Experience Sharing:
- Adam Lisbon (University of Colorado, Boulder): AI Balancing Act: Digital Assistant or Deskilling Disaster?
- Anna-Alexandra Fodde-Reguer (University of Pennsylvania): Playing the Devil’s Advocate: AI in Uncertain Times
- Yi Jiang (Indiana University): From Backlog to Workflow: Experimenting with AI-Assisted Cataloging for a Multilingual Legal Collection
Open Discussion - moderated by Haruko Nakamura (Yale University)