Connecting the Public with Korean American History and Library Collections through USC K-Trail

Abstract

Library collections preserve local history, but visitors may not know which records relate to the places around them. USC K-Trail uses a website and an AI chatbot to help visitors explore Korean American history through local places and library collections. The website brings together 12 places on and around the University of Southern California campus. Visitors can choose a stop on a map, read its history, explore a timeline and follow links to related records. English and Korean versions are available. The chatbot accepts questions about the selected place and offers suggested questions. It is instructed to answer from prepared material and acknowledge gaps in the evidence. A photo guestbook provides a space to record observations. This paper describes the implemented website and explains how its features connect places, historical accounts and library resources. The contribution is a practical example of how libraries can use AI and web technologies to give the public ways to explore collections through local history.