Kim Sung Chul, the head of the Korea University (KU) Library, announced KU Library’s Innovation plan on March 23. The plan aims to make KU libraries a place that can serve as diverse functions, be accessible to the neighborhood, and elicit empathy from its users. Kim had been discussing this plan with Yeom Jae Ho, the President of KU since last October.  

The new innovation is to connect KU Central Library, the reading room under the Central Plaza and the digital library, which is planned to be built as part of the innovation. The Library Theme Park will be constructed as well. Through this theme park, the Central Library, the biggest library of KU, will provide a space for discussion, debate, and relaxation. The digital library will enable the search of information. Personal studying may be done in diverse reading rooms that are to be constructed. KU also plans to build a traditional book collection room that will be accessible to anyone.

 

“Many people think of ‘libraries’ as a place that is solemn and closed. The new KU Library Theme Park will be a place that will break this stereotype,” announced Kim. A substantial amount of money is expected to be essential in the innovation. KU plans to receive donation and funds from citizens, alumni, and corporations. “Through donation, we hope to return the park as a space for everyone,” added Kim.