Asian Collection

Asian Collection mural

The Asian Collection at the University of Oregon offers a comprehensive gateway to East Asian studies, supporting research and learning across multiple disciplines. Established in 1967, it stands as Oregon's largest repository of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean language materials, with additional resources in Thai and Vietnamese vernacular. This unique collection serves not only UO students and faculty but also scholars, researchers, and the broader regional community. 

With more than 100,000 items, the Asian Collection is a vital resource for research and teaching in multiple disciplines including art and architecture, Asian studies, East Asian languages and literatures, geography, history, international studies, philosophy, political science, and religious studies. You’ll find particular strengths in language and literature, history, art, popular culture, religion, philosophy, and folklore. The collection also includes a diverse and engaging popular reading section featuring graphic novels, popular fiction, cookbooks, and travel books.

The East Asian Languages Collection 

 

Chinese
 
The Chinese collection comprises approximately 60,000 volumes of vernacular print materials, alongside an expanding array of electronic resources and streaming videos. The collection is particularly strong in the fields of language, literature—especially fiction—art history, and history. 

 

Japanese
 
The Japanese-language collection includes over 40,000 volumes of vernacular print materials, complemented by a substantial and expanding selection of electronic resources and streaming videos. This collection is particularly strong in the areas of literature, history, art history, popular culture, philosophy, and religion.

 

Korean
 
The Library’s Korean language collection comprises over 8,000 volumes, providing a robust foundation for growth and further enhancement of existing strengths in Korean language, literature and history. 

The Southeast Asian Languages Collection

 

Thai
 
The Library's Thai language material numbers around 2,000 volumes. Strengths include Buddhism, Thai history, literature, and culture. In 2005, a generous gift of materials from Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) and the Royal Family of Thailand, greatly enhanced existing holdings. The gift of more than 1,200 books consists of materials from the personal collections of Thailand's Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Grand Chamberlain Khwankeo Vajarodaya, and other Thai government and academic leaders.

 

Vietnamese
 
Slightly smaller than the Thai collection, the Vietnamese language collection is a core collection for the study of one of Asia's most important nations. The collection covers literature, history, and general culture.

 

Contact
 
For more information on the collection or use and access of the Asian Collection community space, please contact Kevin McDowell, Japanese Studies Librarian, 541-346-8923, or Xiaotong Wang, Chinese Studies Specialist, 541-346-1857.