INU's Haksan Library writes new chapter with Ilum Hall

Incheon National University’s Haksan Library [INCHEON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Ilum Hall, the second library of INU (Incheon National University), has provided a modern, digitalized addition to the institution’s facilities.

The library opened in December 2022 and was awarded the grand prize for its construction by Incheon city in 2023. In the same year, it received the Excellence Award in a contest for outstanding educational facilities hosted by the Ministry of Education, and it also won in the libraries category at the 9th Korean Cultural Space Awards.

Haksan Library moved from Jemulpo to Songdo in 2009 as part of INU’s campus relocation plan. The following year, INU merged with Incheon Technical University, resulting in the integration of resources from both libraries.

The new addition of the facility came with user-oriented features, including automated entry and reservation services using ICT systems. The library’s integrated management system was revamped, and both its home page and mobile website were redesigned.

Lee Min, president of architects AUM&LEE, who participated in the design competition for the construction of Ilum Hall and later brought his vision to life, mentioned that he focused on ensuring that the second library would be connected to the exterior of the existing Haksan Library building, creating a new integrated space rather than being a completely separate building.

The connecting of Haksan Library and the new Ilum Hall prompts reflection on the past and future of the library.

Professor Youn Young Don of INU’s Department of Ethics Education, and Director of Haksan Library, said that the existing Haksan Library focuses on book ownership and individual learning through analog methods like borrowing books, while the new Ilum Hall is a digital library that signifies a shift toward a digital library model, highlighting accessibility and ICT-based resources.

Ilum Hall represents a dynamic library where collaboration and creative activities contribute to the production of information and knowledge. Here, various cultural activities coexist, fostering community engagement and interaction.

Ilum Hall’s user-based ICT systems can be observed in the Triver City Convergence Hall on the first floor. The space is regularly utilized for occasions such as book talks, its “dream busking” events, photograph exhibitions, electronic information expos, job fairs and much more.

Since the construction of Ilum Hall, the library usage rate has doubled. INU’s library is a gift not only to university members but also to the local community.

INU’s Haksan Library is taking measures to be prepared for the implementation of the next generation of major systems in schools.

The library initiated the Great Books (GB) program in 2019, drawing inspiration from the educational framework of St. John's College in the United States, renowned for granting degrees through a curriculum centered on classics, without a specific focus. Since 2022, the establishment of the Great Books Center within Haksan Library has allowed for the expansion of university curricula and extracurricular programs.

Many students show a keen interest in GB discussion seminars conducted via Zoom during vacations, as they can be credited to their academic transcripts. Students were also seen to actively participate in the GB Studio Seminar, where they engage in discussions on classics and masterpieces and undertake projects related to societal issues.

This year, Nora Demleitner, president of St. John's College Annapolis campus, and students from the college associated with the GB Center internship visited INU.

Representatives agreed on the joint development and operation of university-wide curricular and extra-curricular programs and promised to direct their efforts toward the advancement of secondary education in the local community.

This year, Haksan Library has established a development plan to become the “university library for everyone,” aimed at leading future education and research innovation.

Jung Juyeon, head of the Academic Information Team at Haksan Library, said that the library has adopted a strategy to support both online and offline education, data, research support and open sharing.

It seeks to expand data-driven education and research support services equipped with generative AI programs. By enhancing personalized services for each user, the library intends to contribute to education beyond INU, extending its impact on the local community.

BY JEONG SEONWU [jeong.seonwu@joongang.co.kr]

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