Library Science Research & Work. 2026, 0(5): 44.
In response to the uneven distribution of reading resources and the difficulty of service delivery in archipelagic regions, Zhoushan Library has, since 2018, explored the development of a sea-land coordinated universal reading ecosystem centered on the “Floating Library” as a hub.At the level of resource circulation, the project has established a three-tier circulation chain of “routes-fleets-operation zones”, enabling the two-way circulation of print and digital resources. In terms of service provision, reading services are embedded into three major maritime scenarios, that is tourism, roll-on/rolloff, and ocean-going maritime contexts, and are supported by a points-based incentive mechanism to encourage the formation of reading habits. In terms of technological support, the project pioneered a “low-earth-orbit satellite + edge caching” solution to build a stable “maritime digital infrastructure”. Through innovative exploration across five dimensions, such as service visibility, scenario embeddedness, social inclusiveness, technological integration, and multistakeholder collaboration, the “Floating Library” project has successfully established a universal reading ecosystem characterized by “libraries afloat, repositories ashore, and stations on islands”, providing a “Zhoushan model” for coastal cities around the world.
