Meet Shuo Liang, Chinese Studies Librarian

Shuo Liang, Chinese Studies Librarian
Shuo Liang, Chinese Studies Librarian, joined the Library's East Asian Collection in July.

Shuo Liang joined the University of Chicago Library in July 2024. She is the Chinese Studies Librarian. She supports research, teaching and learning in Chinese Studies and is responsible for developing the Chinese collection and offering reference consultations.

Yao Chen, Director of East Asian Collection, interviewed Shuo about her work, her move to UChicago, her role at the University of Chicago, and past experience in libraries:

What led you to become a Chinese Studies Librarian?

When I was a graduate student, I took a research methodology course with our Chinese Studies Librarian, which sparked my interest in librarianship. The course made me realize the importance of the library's collection and the significant role librarians play in supporting students and scholars. My research interest in book history also greatly influenced my career choice, as I enjoy working with books and exploring their many facets, including the role of libraries.

How do you support students in your role here?

In my role, I support students by connecting them with library resources on Chinese Studies to ensure that they can fully leverage the library's offerings. This includes helping them navigate a wide range of resources like databases, archives, and books. I offer personalized consultations tailored to individual projects, helping students refine their research strategies and find the most relevant sources. I also encourage students to focus on developing strong learning skills to help them become independent and lifelong learners.

What excites you about being at the University of Chicago?

Working in a leading research institution offers so many opportunities. I'd like to be a part of the University's efforts in promote excellence in education and research. UChicago's strong East Asian studies program particularly excites me. I want to contribute by providing learning and research services.

What do you enjoy most about working in the library?

I enjoy building the collection and answering reference questions the most. A robust and diverse collection is key to providing students and researchers with access to the materials they need, which is essential for supporting scholarly pursuits. I also find great satisfaction in answering reference questions. I enjoy helping students and researchers locate materials and discover new resources. Connecting them with the right resources is fulfilling for me. I'm also grateful that I learn a lot about various topics during reference consultations with students and researchers.

What have you been reading or watching lately?

I conduct research on late imperial Chinese book history and literature, so I regularly read texts related to these topics. Recently, I've been dedicating much more time to leisure reading, which I had neglected for some time. I'm glad to be regaining the opportunity to read for fun. It is especially interesting to explore the "new" works by writers I like.