Working with several mainland institutions, Chinese University has launched an online library that showcases the writings of many of the most notable Chinese authors of the modern era. The database, at www.modernchineseliterature.net , features newspaper and magazine articles and bibliographies penned by 103 late Chinese authors, including Lu Xun, Zhang Ailing and Shen Congwen and spanning Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland. The database also includes scholarly analyses of the works, arranged into themes. Associate Professor Fan Sin-piu, of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, said the database would lead to better preservation and dissemination of contemporary Chinese literature. 'Much of the information you find on the internet is not comprehensive and might even be taken out of context,' he said. 'The materials included in the database were selected by our team of experts, who can distinguish between authentic and inaccurate information.' Chan Chi-tak, research associate with the project, said the database allowed the public to view the works systematically. 'The materials are arranged on an author-by-author basis. Their works are categorised into various theme-based sections. For example, there is a section devoted to the works released by Dai Wangshu when he was in Hong Kong.' Librarian Leo Ma Fai-hung said there were plans to expand the number of authors in future. 'We encourage the public to give us feedback on which authors they hope to be included,' he said.
