From the perspectives of the concept, characteristics, orientation, nurture and evaluation of a library抯 core competence, this paper gives a general overview of Chinese library抯 core competence. The paper points out that the subject of core competence can only be individual libraries, and each library should develop its own competence in resource, service or management. Core competence research should focus on individual libraries, and lay emphasis on resources and the capability to grasp users' information demand, even the strategic planning and execution.