Considering from the perspective of cultural inheritance strategy and international influence is also the cultural background that cannot be ignored in the new formulation of the government work report.
▲ In August 2021, the ancient book restorer of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Ancient Books Protection Center "slipped on the edge" of ancient books. Photo: Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Shi Yi
Text | Li Xiaoxiao
"Strengthen the protection and utilization of cultural relics and ancient books and the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage."
In this year's government work report, it is mentioned again that "strengthening the protection and utilization of cultural relics and the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage" is mentioned again. However, unlike previous years, this year for the first time, "ancient books" and "protection" of intangible cultural heritage have been added. Behind the new expression, it reflects the state's appeal to the whole society: it is time to further improve the level of protection of ancient books and expand the breadth and depth of social participation.
The stars of Chinese civilization are brilliant, and ancient books are an important part of the inheritance of cultural genes.
In December 2015, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for pioneering the isolation of artemisinin from Chinese herbal medicine for malaria treatment. When she mentioned in her speech that the research encountered a bottleneck, it was by revisiting Ge Hong's ancient Chinese medicine book "Elbow Reserve Urgent Formula" that she gained important enlightenment - "The truncated record of 'Artemisia annua one hand, two liters of water stained, twisting juice, and serving it' reminded me that the extraction process may need to avoid high temperatures, so the extraction method of low boiling point solvent is used." ”
In the face of such a worldwide problem, it is the ancient books that inspire Tu Youyou. This also can't help but make people think, how many hidden spiritual wealth and cultural riches are waiting for us to excavate among the ancient books and rare books that have been circulated for thousands of years?
However, what about excavation without protection? In 2007, the "Chinese Ancient Books Protection Plan" was launched, which was the first national ancient book protection project in mainland China under the auspices of the state. Today, the program has been in place for 14 years, ushering in a golden period of development. During the period, relevant national policies and industry plans were successively introduced, and the Public Library Law was formally legislated... The methods, methods and values of the protection of ancient books have been implemented in layers of refinement. New progress has been made in the survey of ancient books, data release, digitization, establishment of related platforms, restoration, revitalization of achievements, and exhibitions.
▲In December 2020, Jiangxi Provincial Library (Jiangxi Provincial Ancient Books Protection Center) undertook the "Qianhua Of the Book of Records - Special Exhibition of Rare Ancient Books of Tibet and The State of Jiangxi Province". There are also ancient book protection experience activities at the exhibition site, including traditional engraving and printing, ancient book restoration and extension techniques. Figure/IC photo
At the same time, the industry's formulation is also evolving: from "native protection" (restoration and processing of ancient books and improving the storage environment), to emphasizing "regenerative protection" (the use of modern technology to copy or transfer the content of ancient books to other carriers), to proposing "inheritance protection" (creative transformation and innovative development), while adhering to the above three aspects. With the convergence of the three ideas of "existence", "shape shifting", and then "conveying the gods", the extension of the concept of "ancient book protection" has been expanded, reflecting the continuous deepening of industry cognition. Considering from the perspective of cultural inheritance strategy and international influence is also the cultural background that cannot be ignored in the new formulation of the government work report. Of course, this is a necessary move to carry forward the traditional excellent culture, strengthen cultural self-confidence, and enhance cultural innovation.
At the same time, we must also see that the construction of professional teams engaged in the identification and protection of ancient books still needs to be strengthened. Around this issue, at this year's two sessions of the National People's Congress, Chen Hongyan, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy director of the National Library of Ancient Books, put forward a proposal to make "ancient book protection" a first-level discipline.
In recent years, the mass media has played an important role in the revitalization of ancient books. Documentaries such as "China in Classic Books" and "Resurrection of Ancient Books" are popular; professional scholars in the field of ancient book restoration use short videos to promote the concept of ancient book protection and restoration technology; interpretation of ancient books, sharing of traditional culture and other content are presented in an interesting, relaxed and intuitive way such as storytelling, comics, food, and music. These have become important attempts to publicize and promote the comprehensive development of the protection of ancient books.
It is believed that with the effective construction of the development and operation path framework for the protection of ancient books, more people will feel the charm of ancient books and participate in the action of protecting ancient books. At that time, ancient books will not only "come alive", but also glow with new vitality and truly realize their contemporary "sayings".
Beijing News commentator | Li Xiaoxiao
Edit | Liu Yunyun
Intern | Lu Yiran
Proofreading | Zhao Lin
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