Public libraries in China are actively transforming into cultural institutions. By exploring approaches to preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage, rural libraries can protect community traditions and rituals, increasingly neglected in a world powered by the internet and AI. This research describes the protection of indigenous cultural heritage in rural libraries in Central China, with the objective of identifying barriers to that process.
An inductive multiple case study research design was used by the research team, who visited 25 rural libraries in the Wuling Mountain Area in Central China. In these case libraries, researchers conducted formal interviews and held frequent conversations with librarians, library users and residents.
Fifteen barriers to preserving indigenous cultural heritage in rural libraries were identified. These barriers emerged in three themes: environmental, library managerial and cultural heritage service barriers. Mismatches were found between the traditional role of rural libraries (providing information and social services) and the new roles and responsibilities of cultural heritage preservation. Thus, we propose that rural libraries prioritize the role of fulfilling library users' information needs, and exercise caution in undertaking cultural preservation projects without appropriate support. Rural libraries have the potential to participate in cultural preservation projects but will require adequate funding, staff and technological resources, along with strong support from the local government and larger libraries in the region.
This study provides an overview of the role of rural libraries in China in supporting local communities, and offers insights into how to support them to overcome barriers faced. The insights and revelations may be useful for library professionals facing similar challenges in other countries.
