Construction of a new library operating under the Chinese Academy of Sciences was completed here Friday in Zhongguancun, dubbed China's Silicon Valley.
The new library, located in the center of the Zhongguancun hi-tech zone, is said to be one of China's largest libraries with the country's most advanced computerized management system.
Covering a total land area of 18,000 square meters (21,528 yards) and a construction area of 40,900 square meters (48,916 yards), the nine-story building is divided into two parts, with the first through seventh floors for books, and the eighth and ninth for archives.
The library contains 3.2 million books and 550,000 archive files. Along with a 600-seat reading room, the facility also includes exhibition halls and multi-media rooms.
According to the academy, the advanced computer system provides a range of video equipment and 24-hour Internet service.
(Xinhua News Agency 09/28/2001)
