RAS Library Resources Workshop

The current state of publishing in Asia

Sunday, 22 March 2026

11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Welcome to the second session of the RAS Library Resources Workshop, a series of talks and workshops organized for the benefit of our members by RAS Librarian Julie Chun.

The purpose of this series is to introduce our new and current members to the Library's important collections and archives, encouraging independent research and deeper engagement. Each workshop is designed to inspire ideas, share knowledge, and provide an informal and welcoming platform for members to explore the rich historical resources held in the RAS Library. This format reflects the early years of the Society in the nineteenth century, when like-minded members of the North China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society gathered to study and promote scholarship on topics relating to China and Asia.

For our March session, we will convene in the RAS Library and Reading Room, where participants will have the opportunity to browse the collection of books, archives, and other materials for an hour. We will then continue, over a casual lunch at Sketchyard Café (located two doors away), where we are pleased to host our guest speaker Jacob Dryer, Senior Editor for Business, Economics, Politics, and Law at Palgrave (Springer Nature), one of the world's largest publishing companies. Drawing on his extensive experience working in China for 15 years, Jacob has also written widely on contemporary Chinese culture, society, and urbanism for leading international publications. In this session, he will offer valuable insights into the current landscape of publishing in Asia, including trends in Chinese scientific research, global engagement with China, and more.

If you have not yet visited the RAS Library, this event offers the perfect opportunity to explore the collection that your membership helps to support.

The workshop is complimentary to current RAS members. Please renew your membership or apply for a subscription to attend this event.

Note: Due to space constraints and limited seating, this event is expected to fill quickly. Kindly register in advance.