Digital reunification of dispersed collections: The National Library of Korea digitization project

Abstract

The National Library of Korea is undergoing a project of examining, collecting and digitizing Korea-related materials located overseas so as to establish a Korean Studies research information infrastructure and preserve a cultural heritage to be passed on to the future generation.

The NLK is undertaking a project of examining and collecting ancient Korean materials located in outside countries. The purpose of this project is to examine and create facsimiles of ancient Korean materials of which only one copy is preserved and also other valuable materials. The collected ancient materials are available domestically and internationally through the Korean Old and Rare Collection Information System (KORCIS).

The NLK’s projects are not limited to examining and collecting Korea-related materials located overseas. The NLK is providing detailed descriptions of the content, form, printing type and value of the collected materials to the Korean people and to Korean Studies research institutions and researchers around the world so as to contribute in laying the groundwork for and developing Korean Studies as well as promoting the excellence of Korea-related materials.