Where should the culture of our lives and memory be preserved? - Rethinking the role of the library

Abstract

The abilities to store and transfer memory, to learn from others’ experiences, or to share one’s knowledge with the world are the drivers of social development. This driving force derives from the library’s unique function and role to collect and service cultural assets. The National Library of Korea has recently expanded its scope of collection from printed media to online materials and broadcasting contents, and it opened its Memory Museum. The National Library of Korea has successfully demonstrated the example of a sustainable library in the new paradigm by strengthening its ability to preserve cultural memories.

Meanwhile, public libraries in Korea have taken an initiative to preserve and transfer memory of a local community, which encourages locals’ participation and revitalizes community spirit that has disappeared as a result of rapid economic growth. In this paper, cases of integrating a museum’s archiving function into a library that led to social integration and community revitalization will be introduced; in addition, the paper will argue where and how the culture of our lives and memory should be preserved and utilized.