By applying the Buddhistic literature retrieval theory, this study aims at investigating the difference between the classical Buddhistic literature and modern one. It is expected that a systematical discussion of the retrieval methods in this field will help the Buddhistic scholars enhance the efficiency of using the Buddhistic literature. The thesis starts it discussion by constructing some Buddhistic document retrieval theories. A literature review of previous Chinese and Western retrieval methods is used to examine how the Buddhistic classics have been analyzed in the past decades. The second part of the study starts from the discussion of Chinese conventional bibliography in the Buddhistic documents. A neglect of Buddhistic classics, under the influence of Confucian hegemony starting from Han Dynasty, is reflected in the bibliographical system. However, as the volume of the Buddhistic classics and their translations was increasing, a detailed cataloging system had been developed. Through this system, the scholars could access the documents in a more accurate and efficient way. Using the classical cataloging system is the primary and beginning method in doing research on Buddhism. Nowadays, a variety of Buddistic resources are preserved in many formats, such as Buddhistic encyclopedia, Buddhistic annuals, Chronologies, Periodical Index, Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Database, Academic Electronic Databases, and Internet Resources. To master search strategies and accesses in these resources is a key to an advanced study of Buddhism. This thesis ends with an analysis of Buddhistic hardcopy journals and electronic journals with an attempt to trace out how the traditional journals have been digitalized and accessed by the researchers. A systematical study of Buddhistic retrieval strategies, this study can help researchers have a better access to Buddhistic resources and develop a more efficient Buddhistic scholarship.
