The technique, optical character recognition, converts scanned images of the handwritten texts into computer-encoded data entries. It allows electronic searches and common word processing features: highlighting, bookmarking, copying and pasting.

The sheer volume of the historical collection is overwhelming. No one ever has claimed to have read the complete body of works. There's no question of its value for academic research. Scholars don't have to pore over library catalogues to find material on given topics.

Dai Longji, curator at the Macau University of Science and Technology, says the digital Siku Quanshu is popular among professors and students.

"Students are more tech-savvy. With the digital version, they find more study materials. The professors became challenged by these well-read students and had to catch up with the electronic sources," Dai says.

Steve Ching, librarian at the City University of Hong Kong, will soon open a study center dedicated to ancient Chinese texts. There, Ching promises a quiet space and an engaging atmosphere that he hopes will encourage professors and students to sit and savor the works of ancient sages.

Ching expects interest from more than professors studying history, Chinese language and philosophy. Teachers and students from engineering, business, agriculture and medical schools will also be encouraged to use the facility. The encyclopedia includes titles in all those fields.

Richard Wong, a second-year law student, makes frequent reference to the digital Siku Quanshu. Wong practices Chinese calligraphy, and believes his work requires a thorough understanding of the original roots of his calligraphy interpretations.

He's especially fond of Sun Tze's Art of War. The parallels between the past and the present day fascinate him.

"In war, there are no fixed situations, as water has no constant shape," says Wong citing a famous line of Sun Tze's work. "Those who can adapt to the changing conditions of the enemy and win may be considered legendary in warfare.

"It sounds so familiar in today's business world. It tells us how to deal with market competitors," Wong says.