Princeton users now have access to the Xinhua Neibu cankao (Internal Reference) 1949-1989 database on public computers at the East Asian Library.
This database collects material published in 内部参考 a secret high-level internal circular published by Xinhua news agency. The publication started on September 22, 1949. Each week between three to six issues were published and circulated among top party leaders. The database collects more than 31,000 articles from 3,600 issues from 1949 to 1989. For the period 1949-1964 the database is relatively complete, but it only includes sporadic issues for the years 1965, 1966, 1985, and 1989. Therefore, it is most useful for the study of the early PRC. Searching by subject, date, place name, personal name, and full-text are possible. The texts of the circular have been scanned and transferred into digital format in simplified characters. The database does not include access to any original scans of the circular itself. The database includes an introductory essay by Song Yongyi on 内部参考, its circulation and its role within the Chinese party apparatus.
Please note: The database has been developed for local use on a Windows-based computer system. Currently the database is only accessible on two public PCs in the East Asian Library, and we are working on a solution of making this database available to Princeton users via off-campus access.
Additionally, the library has acquired the right to allow installation on the personal computers of all university affiliates. To learn more about this option, please contact the contact the Chinese Studies Librarian.