Distribution of Virtual Holdings by Library Collection Category

The following describes the distribution of virtual holdings across library collection categories based on the Chinese Library Classification (CLC) system, presented as a doughnut chart with numerical data and representative examples:

Overview of Virtual Holdings Distribution

The doughnut chart illustrates the proportion of virtual volumes across four primary CLC categories, totaling 102,700 volumes. Key insights include:

Category (CLC Class)

Virtual Holdings

Percentage

Key Characteristics

Natural Sciences (N-X Class)

45,000 volumes

~43.8%

Largest segment, focusing on STEM disciplines.

Social Sciences (C-K Class)

38,000 volumes

~37.0%

Broad coverage of human behavior and societal systems.

Philosophy & Religion (B Class)

12,500 volumes

~12.2%

Thematic works on ethics, spirituality, and intellectual history.

General Works (Z Class)

7,200 volumes

~7.0%

Reference materials and interdisciplinary compilations.

Category Breakdown with Examples

1. Natural Sciences (N-X Class) – 45,000 volumes (43.8%)

• Focus: Physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and applied technologies.
• Key Works:
• The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy by Isaac Newton (foundational physics).
• On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (biology).
• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (environmental science).
• Significance: Dominates the collection, reflecting strong demand for scientific research and educational resources.

2. Social Sciences (C-K Class) – 38,000 volumes (37.0%)

• Focus: Sociology, economics, politics, education, and anthropology.
• Key Works:
• The Weakness of Human Nature by Dale Carnegie (sociology/self-help).
• Rural China by Fei Xiaotong (anthropology of Chinese society).
• The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber (economics/politics).
• Significance: Highlights the library’s commitment to social science research and contemporary policy studies.

3. Philosophy & Religion (B Class) – 12,500 volumes (12.2%)

• Focus: Classical philosophy, comparative religion, and modern ethical debates.
• Key Works:
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Stoic philosophy).
• A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell (philosophical history).
• An Introduction to Science and Religion by Alister McGrath (interdisciplinary theology).
• The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James (religious psychology).
• Significance: Supports humanities research and cross-cultural dialogue.

4. General Works (Z Class) – 7,200 volumes (7.0%)

• Focus: Encyclopedias, bibliographies, and multidisciplinary compilations.
• Key Works:
• Encyclopædia Britannica (comprehensive knowledge).
• Comprehensive Index of Scientific Literature (research tool for cross-disciplinary studies).
• Significance: Serves as a foundational resource for broad-based learning and academic referencing.

Visual Representation (Doughnut Chart Key)

• Natural Sciences: Largest segment (dark green), representing ~43.8%.
• Social Sciences: Second-largest segment (blue), representing ~37.0%.
• Philosophy & Religion: Third segment (purple), representing ~12.2%.
• General Works: Smallest segment (yellow), representing ~7.0%.

This distribution reflects the library’s balanced focus on scientific inquiry, social science scholarship, humanistic thought, and reference resources, catering to diverse research and educational needs.