To trace root via genealogical records, Shanghai Library conducts an exhibition from July 14 to 27 in the Catalogue Hall (1F) on 60 choice genealogies collected by the library, two thirds of which are those of celebrities including important historical figures, men of letters, artists and entrepreneurs. These records not only benefit the study on the family concerned but provide useful information for the analysis of the era of theirs. Meanwhile, a seminar will be convened to advance genealogical studies and the general public will avail themselves of three free lectures accordingly.

With relentless efforts of generations, the library has so far collected nearly 20 thousand titles of genealogical records covering 365 family names and thus becomes the home to the richest original copies of Chinese genealogy at home and abroad. It opened the first genealogy reading room in 1996 and is building full-text database of the resources to enable Chinese over the globe to trace their roots and explore the eternity of culture.

From 2000 to 2008, the library complied and edited The General Catalog of Chinese Genealogies, which was published recently by Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House. Unique in scope and coverage with information collected across the world, the catalog lists 52,401 titles of Chinese genealogical records covering 608 family names. And it is through the compilation of the catalog that the library manages to strengthen its contact and coordination with overseas genealogical institutes, an effort which, in turn, draws attention to the irreplaceable collection from public and academic circle.