Dibrary: Korea opens National Digital Library
2009/07/23 12:03The National Library of Korea recently opened the nation’s first digital library called Dibrary. It can be best described as a giant computer lab providing users access to an archive of digital content while also providing computing facilities to users.
The Korea Times: Library Going Digital:
On May 25th, The National Digital Library will open in Banpo-dong, southern Seoul, the first such repository in the world. With more than 380,000 digitalized books and 116 million pieces of digital content, the eight-story 38,014 square-meter-large building is expected to attract both domestic and international attention.
Chosun Ilbo: National Digital Library Opens New Doors
Entering the building you will find all the information kiosks in the library use large flat-panel displays. You will either be issued a one-day or permanent RFID card giving you access to a locker or to enter the 2nd floor of the Dibrary.
Here’s a short overview of some of the facilities in the Dibrary:
Multimedia Workstations- Along with studio space where you can use professional recording equipment, the Dibrary also provides workstations equipped with a suite of Adobe programs.
Digital Newspapers- There are six digital T-Paper newspaper kiosks that use large flat-panel display to display various Korean newspapers using software from Dahami Communications. You can either use the touch screen or a trackball to navigate the digital paper.
Multi-Touch Tables- There are two multi-touch tables that allow people to play various two-player games. It would have been interesting to see the tables to be integrated with the digital content of the library especially with any photographs or other multimedia content that multiple people could interact with.
The library is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. They are closed on Mondays for system maintenance.
Some of the signs in the dibrary are in Korean and English, but it might be difficult to visit without knowing some Korean or bringing a Korean-speaking friend.
