the interior of the IRUM

Space is the basis on which all realities are related and on which human consciousness depends. Recently, IRUM, the second library of Incheon National University (President Park Jong-tae), is drawing attention. IRUM, which opened in December 2022, received the grand prize for construction from Incheon City in 2023. In the same year, he won the Excellence Award and the 9th Korean Cultural Space Award (library category) at the Korea Excellent Education Facility Contest organized by the Ministry of Education.

The exterior of Haksan Library (IRUM)

yesterday and today in the footsteps of Haksan Library

The official name of Incheon National University Library is Haksan Library. The name "Haksan" comes from Haksan Seowon (established in 1708). Haksan Seowon Confucian Academy is the only seowon established in the Incheon area as a practical space for Confucianism in the Joseon Dynasty, and contains the history of Incheon education in the past. In this context, Haksan Library seeks to expand its learning space to the Incheon community.. 

The Haksan Library of Incheon National University moved from Jemulpo to Songdo in 2009 according to the plan to relocate the campus of Incheon National University, and the following year, the integration of library materials from both universities was also carried out according to the integration of Incheon National University.  

With the opening of the second library, the Haksan Library of Incheon National University has achieved rapid development. With the opening of the Irum Hall, an ICT system was established to automate access and reservations, reorganize the integrated library management operation system, and renew the library website and mobile web to establish a user-centered library environment. 

Irum Hall, a space for rest, meeting and collaboration like a huge cafe

Texts have multiple characteristics. It is a text waiting for books, people, and furthermore, architecture to be properly read. CEO Lee Min (AUM&LEE, Eom & E), who designed the IRUM, reportedly paid attention to creating a new space by connecting it with the exterior of the existing building rather than a separate building separated from the existing Haksan Library during the IRUM's public offering. This can be said to be a reading method that focuses on the present in which the past and future of the library communicate while respecting the grammar and vocabulary of the existing library. 

Yesterday and tomorrow of the library can be estimated at this point through the connection between the existing Haksan Library and the new building. According to Yoon Young-don, head of the Haksan Library (Professor of Ethics Education), if the existing library is an "analog" library centered on the ownership of books and book loans and personal learning, the Irum Museum aims for accessibility and ICT-based "digital libraries." If the existing library is looking from the present to the past, Irum Hall has a concept from the present to the future. In other words, if the existing library is a "static library" centered on data and reading, Irum Hall is a "dynamic library" with the community, where various cultural activities coexist, along with the production of information and knowledge through collaboration and production activities. 

Assuming that Irum Hall aims for a user-centered library with ICT-based complex cultural functions, the Trivial Convergence Hall on the first floor performs these functions excellently. For example, book talk concerts, dream busking, photo exhibitions, electronic information fairs, and job fairs are being held.

Thanks to the expanded connectivity and openness of the construction, the library utilization rate has doubled since the construction of the IRUM. "Dreams come true" becomes a reality in the view of achieving. Therefore, Incheon National University Haksan Library, including IRUM, comes as a precious gift not only to university members but also to residents of the community. 

Haksan Library Specialization Program, Great Books Program 

INU GB Camp

A library, as the Latin etymology suggests, is a place full of "books," and the books are mankind's intellectual assets for cultivating a "free" spirit.

Incheon National University Haksan Library launched the Great Books (GB) program in 2019 based on the educational model of St. John's University (SJC) in the United States, which is famous for awarding degrees through classical education without a detailed major, in order to take the lead in the trend of the times emphasizing non-major and creative convergence. 

The "GB Discussion Seminar," which is conducted in a non-face-to-face manner using vacation, is highly interested in students because it can be linked to credit acquisition, and the "GB Studio Seminar," which conducts discussion seminars based on classics and masterpieces and carries out projects in connection with social issues, also attracts a lot of students. 

This year, as the president (Nora Demlitner) and current students (internship at Incheon National University GB Center) of St. John's University (Anapolis) visited Incheon National University, they decided to jointly develop and operate subjects and comparative programs in the university, and make efforts to develop secondary education in the community.

MOU with St. John's University

Haksan Library for All to Support Future-oriented Education and Research Innovation

This year, according to the Ministry of Education's 3rd Comprehensive Plan for the Promotion of University Libraries (2024-2028), the Haksan Library Development Plan was established as "everyone's university library leading future education and research innovation." After the hard work of the academic information team of Incheon National University Haksan Library and the advice of professors on the library management committee, the blueprint for the future development of the library was prepared.

According to Jeong Ju-yeon, head of Haksan Library (Academic Information Team), "On-off educational support, data, research support, and shared opening" will be used as a strategy in consideration of Incheon National University's vision and talent, and data-based education and research support services equipped with Generative AI programs will be expanded, and customized services for each user will be strengthened to contribute to community education beyond universities.