WBL Window on Korea

Western Bank Library welcomed staff from the National Library of Korea and the Korean Culture Centre to open the new Window on Korea space.

With the support of the National Library of Korea, the University Library opened the Window on Korea space in Western Bank Library. The opening ceremony took place on 25th of August 2023 attended by staff from the National Library of Korea and the Korean Culture Centre, along with academics and students from the University of Sheffield.

This space is open to all students and staff to discover Korean culture and history.

"We hope to have continued collaboration with the University of Sheffield to support awareness of Korea and its culture through the Window on Korea" 

Lihwan Kim, Acting Chief Executive of the National Library of Korea

The Window on Korea initiative was started in 2007 by the National Library of Korea, with the aim of supporting libraries around the world in bringing Korean history and culture to a wider audience. In 2021, the University of Sheffield Library agreed to develop a Window on Korea as part of this programme, as a way of celebrating our Korean collection being one of the largest in the UK, and in recognition of the growing interest in Korean studies. The space features Korean artwork and information panels, and has been designed to be a welcoming, comfortable study area for all our library users.

The National Library of Korea supported creating this innovative space with 3,000 resources published in Korea for our teaching, research and collaboration.  The Library also has a 5-year agreement with the National Library of Korea, during which time we will receive further 2,000 resources.

"I am confident that this wonderful addition to our current Korean Collation will support our students and staff as well as encourage interest more widely from outside the University."

Anna Clements, Director of Library Service and University Librarian