Simmons GSLIS: Dispatches from the Field

Mapo Lifelong Learning Center

For our final library tour we visited the Mapo Lifelong Learning Center in Seoul. This is an educational community center that is open to the public and provides various classes, study rooms, cafeterias, and exercise facilities – much like a YMCA. During the week, this center is filled with people of all ages taking advantage of the many activities available. On our tour we saw two painting classes, a computer literacy class, reading rooms packed with people studying, and a beginner’s ballet class with some enthusiastic youngsters. A swimming pool was under construction, but when that is complete it will be open to users as well.

 

While the center is more of an all-encompassing educational facility than a traditional library, it still contains conventional library rooms for adults and children where patrons are free to browse the stacks and take out books. Like all the other libraries we visited, the Mapo Lifelong Learning Center is vibrant and full of people.

 

These library visits, in addition to the academic libraries class at Yonsei University, presented us with a glimpse into Korean library culture and an understanding of the country’s focus on quality educational services. Though we only scratched the surface in our brief two weeks, I have gained a greater perspective on the history of Korean librarianship and the similarities and differences and between the two cultures.

Seoul National University Library

During the first week of our trip we had the pleasure of visiting the Seoul National University Library, which serves over 16,000 undergraduates and 9,000 graduates in one of the nation’s largest public research universities.

 

Seoul National University Library Building. Photo courtesy of the Seoul National University website.

Tucked toward the back of a hilly campus, this six-story library is home to over 880,000 volumes of books. Like many of the other libraries we visited, this one was bustling with students and faculty. Even during the summer, students were busy reading newspapers in the lounge, studying diligently in the many reading rooms, and dropping off theses in the front lobby.

Along our tour we were introduced to the lounge, stacks, periodicals rooms, and several large reading rooms. Each reading room was lined with individual study spaces, most of which were occupied. We were also allowed access into the university’s extensive archives, which are organized into three main groups: Valuable Books Collection, Ancient Books Collection, and Archival Documents Collection. After viewing the archives, we were guided through the library offices and into a buzzing server room, where an eager IT employee tried to explain how all the complex computers and machinery keep the library up and running.

A view of the many stacks.

Compared to Yonsei University Library, this one looked more like a typical academic library you might find in the United States. It did not have a high-tech information commons or shiny new computers like Yonsei Samsung Library. Despite this, I found it interesting that while the Yonsei Library boasted large touch-screen monitors with digital newspapers in the Information Commons, no students were using them at the time of our tour. The Seoul National University Library, however, had no fancy multimedia common, but several students were seated reading printed newspapers in the lounge. While both academic libraries were impressive, this suggests that the most important aspect of a good library is not fancy equipment, but simple access to the materials users need.

Namsan Public Library

While it was similar to most of our public libraries, I thought Namsan had some really nice programs, including a very interesting-sounding one called “Bibliotherapy”.  I love the idea of books as therapeutic and wish I could have understood a little bit more about how it worked, but unfortunately the language barrier was a little more challenging than usual on this visit.   I did learn that while it is available to anyone, it is most popular with older children and young adults.  A few things I wondered though: How do they choose the books for the program? What makes a book effective as therapy?

I also liked the exchange program that Namsan has organized with Japan.  I hadn’t realized from their website that they actually sent a person there (”human exchange” as Professor Park translated).  Again, I would have liked to know a bit more about that and tried to ask the gentleman who was with us about it when we went by the display but didn’t get too far.  Still, I appreciated the more international aspects of this public library.  (They also had an excellent collection of English-language literature, below).

What struck me most, however, was how busy it was! On a Monday in August, close to 5pm and nearly every seat was taken! That is so interesting because everything I read before coming implied that Koreans didn’t especially value libraries or were just beginning to do so with some concerted efforts by the government. Whether they “value” them or not, they certainly appear to like visiting them!

I also enjoyed the little gallery off the lobby that we visited last.   At the moment, the exhibit was photography done by a group of either high school or college age students (I couldn’t tell which).  The public library in my home town has a similar room that always displays local art and it’s a very popular feature. What a great way to get the community and local students involved and visiting the library.

Yonsei Samsung University Library

Like the National Library, Yonsei was a study in technology and innovation. (Also like at the National library, I would have stayed if I could!  Luckily, we were granted temporary library cards so I spent an entire afternoon just wandering around and admiring the virtual fish pond, below).

What struck me the most about Yonsei was the depth and scope of planning that went into the entire project. Everything was considered; from the additional 2 floors of below-ground storage space on reserve for future materials right down to the design of the table and chairs. I was especially impressed by the fact that the work stations and all of their components were custom made both for the space and to accommodate the librarians’ and users’ needs. They even thought of putting in cell phone chargers and bars to allow students to secure their laptops should they need to walk away from their station. Well-thought-out is very much an understatement in this case.  Also similar to the National Library, there was a Global Lounge, below, which provided language-specific computers for students to use.

Also interesting was the tour guide’s admission that many of the areas and technology were not being used for their intended purposes. I wonder if that really even matters, as long as the space is being used at all? She didn’t seem overly concerned, more just accepting of the fact that you can’t anticipate everything.

It should also be noted that aside from being beautifully designed from a usability stand point, it was a stunning structure. Technology has a tendency to render a space somewhat cold in my opinion, but they did a wonderful job at Yonsei of keeping the area warm and welcoming. The indoor flower bed and chirping crickets, not to mention the roof garden gave the entire facility a very calming, zen feeling that was really very pleasant.

A Different Classroom Experience

August 14 was the last day of our academic libraries class at Yonsei University, which is a course offered by Simmons College and co-taught by Professor Claudia Morner and Professor Ji-Hong Park. The class covers the functions and challenges of academic libraries in the United States and Korea and includes eight Simmons students and seven Yonsei students.

Having a mixed class of Korean and American students has added a certain depth that comes from a mingling of many perspectives. Many of the Yonsei students majored in library science as undergrads and have limited practical experience. They also come from a culture where libraries have experienced great expansion and technological growth in the past half-century. Our class discussions and group work – including a group planning project for an academic library – benefited from the collaboration of the two cultures. We’ve discussed the similarities and differences between libraries in the two countries and learned a great deal in the process.

Beyond academics, the Yonsei students have taught us much about Korean culture and fielded our questions about food, shopping, traditions and etiquettes. One student directed me to a traditional tea house called Dawoonsami near the university. Another explained during a two-day monsoon that Koreans traditionally cook kimchi, seafood, or scallion pancakes on rainy days as a quick and easy dinner. Another student joked about how her mother has four refrigerators in her apartment – three for the sole purpose of making kimchi.  One night some of the students treated us to a night of karaoke in an artsy area of Seoul near Hongik University. We spent the evening singing to American and Korean songs and got to see a side of the students that usually isn’t expressed in the classroom environment.

Our stay at Yonsei University began and ending with a group dinner involving the students, professors, and dean. This was a great way to get to know one another in an informal setting and discuss what we planned to learn in the beginning and what we had discovered in the end. On Friday night we all said our goodbyes, but it was far from a final farewell. Two Yonsei students will be attending Simmons this year. They’ve treated us to a few nights of pork and kimchi, and we’ve already planned a night out at Boston Beerworks in September.

National Library for Children and Young Adults

My first thought on this library is “what a wonderful place!”.  I don’t have children but I think I would enjoy spending time there myself.

As with the other two libraries, I’m again noticing the amount of planning that goes into every detail (it’s really starting to become a theme). I adored the system they had for children to keep track of the books they’ve read using savings-bank-like passbooks.  (Once they return a book, they place the passbook in a very cute, child-size machine which stamps it with the title of the book).  It’s interactive, it feels “adult” which I think kids really enjoy and it likely gives them a sense of accomplishment by being able to see all the books they’ve read.

And the maps and comic books!  Biannually, the library creates reading guides in the form of maps and comic books (with illustrations done by high school students), containing summaries and reviews from other students.  They were incredible.  So clever and beautifully done.  I can really see how that would make reading seem appealing to young adults. For a country that is only in the beginning stages of developing its children’s librarian program, they have done a superb job in all aspects of this library’s design and implementation.

I also liked the emphasis they put on foreign language study and the appreciate the amount of money they must have put toward developing their international collections. I’m a firm believer in learning new languages young and this would be an excellent place to start.

“Uncle Sam’s Reading Club” was a fantastic room (I could have stayed all day re-reading my childhood favorites!).

Finally, the director was truly a lovely person. She clearly loves what she does and people like that have such a positive impact on their institution.

The National Library of Korea

This library was truly exceptional. I almost wish we had saved it for last as I suspect others (Yonsei being the exception) will likely pale in comparison.   I can’t convey how impressed I was with the entire library.  The new digital library was incredible to say the least and the estimated $12 billion price tag almost seems like a bargain. They really thought of everything from recording studios to handicapped accessibility, it was clearly a well-planned and well-executed project.

We were lucky enough to visit on a day when the digital library is officially closed so we were able to appreciate how vast (and tidy) the space  really is- computer stations as far as the eye can see!  I would also be interested to see it on a busy day; our tour guide told us that thousands of people come in each day to use their resources.  (I wonder how often the recording studio and blue screen room are used?  And by whom?)

Also interesting was the bank of international computers, a feature also available at the Yonsei University Library.  Whether the purpose of these computers is to encourage foreign language study by Koreans or to accommodate international visitors wasn’t clear but either way it is a useful and thoughtful element of the library.

Another aspect that was common in several of the libraries visits was the need to reserve a seat.  In most cases, this was done using a large screen near the entrance.  You scanned your library card and it brought up a map of the seats from which you could select one to reserve for a certain number of hours (usually a maximum of three).  The fact that this is necessary really underscores how very “used” libraries are in Korea.  We were continuously amazed at how crowded each and every library was, at 4pm in August no less.

All in all, however, it was an excellent visit and an incredible institution. I am tempted to get a temporary library card and go back!

PS. I especially liked their “mascots”, the three colorful gentlemen below.

Greetings from Seoul, South Korea!

It’s about 85 degrees with 50 percent humidity and the GSLIS students are tearing up Yonsei University and South Korean libraries. We’ve been here for just over five days and have already visited four Korean libriaries: the National Library and Digital Library of Korea, Yonsei University Library, the National Library for Children and Young Adults, and the Seoul National University Library. Each library has offered something new and interesting about Korean librarianship in the 21st century.

On Tuesday we visited the Yonsei University Library here on campus.

The library first began in 1915 with just 230 books, and has since expanded into a multi-media student center and award-winning research institution. The library includes two buildings: the older Central Library houses a majority of the books and subject specialties and the newer Yonsei-Samsung Library features RFID kiosks, a U-lounge, information commons, multi-media center, a roof garden, and even a few bug zappers.  Want to play memory games on the multi-function digital table with your friends or post an advertisement on the digital communication Memoboard? Go for it. The library was bustling in early August and can have up to 10,000 students per day during finals. It’s certainly the place to be.

Tune in later for more adventures from the Soul of Asia.

Claudia & Meaghan + Eight

I’m here in Seoul with GSLIS Adjunct Professor Claudia Morner and eight GSLIS students for the inaugural Simmons – Yonsei travel course. This has been in the works since March 2008, so it’s fabulous to finally be here.

Over the next two weeks, the students will take an academic libraries course, team taught by Professor Morner and Yonsei Professor Ji-Hong Park. There are also seven Yonsei students in the class, so it’s a true cross-cultural experience. As Professor Park said in his introduction on the first day, it’s like bibimbap - the ingredients, on their own, don’t amount to much, but delicious things happen when you put it all together.

In addition to class meetings, we’ll be visiting eight different libraries around Seoul. Today, on our first visit, we’ll see the National Library of Korea.

Yonsei is a wonderful host, particularly Professor Jee Yeon Lee, Dean of the Library Science Department. Last night we were treated to a welcome dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant – no shoes, sit on the floor – which was a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with our Korean colleagues in a casual setting.

Check in over the next two weeks to hear from Professor Morner, some of the students, and myself.

Polotsk and Vitebsk

On my last day in Belarus before leaving, we visited Polotsk and Vitebsk, near the Russian border. It was a very full day. Unfortunately, due to a hard drive incident, my pictures of this day are lost. Peter Lapo and I were driven by a young man to Polotsk. While driving, we had an excellent discussion about a set of indicators that the Ministry of Education requires of libraries, and a new set of indicators that a consortium of libraries, in which the Belarusian State University Library was taking a lead role, had developed in response. There were formulas constructed based on the number of students, the number of courses, and the number of textbooks. Electronic textbooks were also considered.

Interestingly, one of the measures recommended that an amount representing 2% of the funding for faculty research, provided by the government, be given to the library to support resources for faculty research. In the US, the indirect cost rate, or facilities and administration rate, negotiated between large research universities and the US Department of Health and Human Services often assigns 2% of the rate to library support. So this recommendation seemed very reasonable. There were also recommendations about seating, number of computers, etc.

Polotsk is one of the oldest cities in Belarus, and is located on the beautiful Dvina River and the Polata River. We met Tatsiana Govorova, director of the Belarus State Agrarian and Technical University, who was our guide. The city was one of the battlegrounds for the Vikings in the late 10^th century, as they swept down from the north on their way to Kiev and eventually Constantinople. We visited the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, which was one of three cathedrals of the same name, the other two located in Novgorod and Kiev. It was Orthodox, until it was destroyed by Tsar Peter the Great in 1710. Then it was rebuild by the Poles as a baroque Roman Catholic cathedral.

We visited the nearby Simeon of Polotsk Library and Museum, a museum dedicated to book printing. Regretfully, many of the exhibits are reproductions. Francysk Skaryna was born in Polotsk, and established a printing press in 1517 in Prague. He was one of the first publishers in Eastern Europe, and translated the Bible into Belarusian using the Cyrillic alphabet. His books have a distinctive frontispiece featuring himself.

We drove to Vitebsk, also on the Dvina River, and also ravaged in the fighting between the Nazis and the Red Army. We were met by Alexander and Olga, librarians from Vitebsk, who were our guides for this city. It is now a city of the arts, and the home of Marc Chagall. We visited the house of Marc Chagall and the Marc Chagall Museum and Art Center, which was wonderful. However, the highlight of the trip was the visit to the Zdrawneva, a village outside of Vitebsk, in which Ilya Repin lived for several years. Repin, a realist painter, is associated with the Ukraine and his final house outside of Saint. Petersburg, but his house in Belarus is striking. It was destroyed after he left by the peasants to whom he gave it, but it was re-built in 1988. It is the extraordinary house of an extraordinary artist. There is a gazebo in the back, and after touring the house, Alexander and Olga created a beautiful picnic of fresh vegetables, pork, fruit, bread, vodka, and wine. We toasted each other and libraries. Tatsiana made the interesting point that English is an easy language to speak, because English speakers are forgiving of bad English. Her English was very good.

It is this picture I hold in my mind’s eye, a picture composed of librarian friends, good food, good drink, discussing issues in a place of great natural beauty and artistic significance. In lieu of photographs, it is this memory that I bring back to the US from my all too brief visit to Belarus.