Established in 1895, during the 21st year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign in the illustrious Qing Dynasty, the Peiyang University Library—the esteemed precursor to the Tianjin University Library—originated concurrently with the university itself. This momentous initiative proudly positions the library among the earliest university libraries in China, embodying a rich legacy of scholarship and education.
Library Structure
In its current form, the Tianjin University Library includes three architecturally distinct buildings:
· North Library
A bastion of knowledge, the North Library originally rose in 1958 under the visionary design of Professor Xu Zhong, a distinguished construction expert and esteemed founder of the Architecture Department at Tianjin University. This stately edifice covers an impressive area of 9,853 square meters. To accommodate its growing importance, the North Library expanded significantly in 1986, adding a sprawling eight-story book warehouse that spans an additional 4,500 square meters.
· Science Library
The remarkable Science Library opened in 1990, thanks to the generous contribution from Mr. Run Run Shaw, whose philanthropic spirit has left an indelible mark. This facility spans a vast construction area of 10,968 square meters, providing ample space for cultivating knowledge.
· Zhengdong Library
In September 2015, the university inaugurated the Zhengdong Library on the Peiyang Park Campus. Zhou Kai, a celebrated alumnus of Tianjin University and a nationally recognized architectural master, meticulously designed this striking library, which occupies approximately 50,000 square meters and stands as a testament to modern architectural excellence.
Commitment to Excellence
Aligned with the university’s strategic vision for development, the Tianjin University Library dedicates itself to providing an exceptional array of documentary information resources that support teaching, scientific research, talent cultivation, and research management. The library has implemented a comprehensive, multi-tiered documentary resource security system to safeguard its vast holdings.
By the conclusion of 2023, the library proudly boasts a remarkable collection of:
· 3.4 million printed books and periodicals
· 1.932 million electronic books
· 64,900 electronic journals
· 168 databases encompassing both Chinese and international resources.
This impressive array testifies to the library's pivotal role in the academic community.