Sungkyunkwan University - Samsung Library

This beautiful building which is home to the Sungkyunkwan University Samsung Library represents the image of an open book and was opened in 2009, which seems unbelievable as it not only looks brand new from the outside, but is also still in pristine condition on the inside.

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) Libraries have a very long history, the first library in Korea, Jon'gyeong'gak was built in 1475 at Sungkyunkwan, the first higher educational institute in Korea.  Although the library has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the University continues to build on the legacy of Jon'gyeong'gak

The Samsung Library has been developed as a "gateway to knowledge to nurture the creative potential of its students, faculty and staff through accessing global knowledge" (SKKU promotional material)   The Library provides additional support to learning and supplements facilities found in the University Central Library.

The entrance to the building is spectacular;

Full height Atrium

The building provides accommodation on 7 floors above ground and 2 basement floors.  Floors 6 and 7 are dedicated to the administrative function.

Group study rooms on several levels overhang the atrium 

A number of group study rooms have been provided between floors 2 and 5 which provide views of activity within and allow the occupants great views of the rest of the building.

Entrance hall, barriers on extreme left

As soon as you enter the building the sense of space and height is almost overwhelming, and I couldn't help but be "wowed" by the sheer size and beauty!!

Located within the entrance hall are the now familiar student study space booking kiosks and the Global Lounge PCs.  

Global Lounge PCs

To the left and right of the entrance barriers are the entrances to the Information Commons, as shown in the photo above, and one of the reading rooms.

Information Commons,  ground floor, view from entrance hall

The style of the PC clusters are very familiar also.

Reading room, ground floor view from entrance

There are over 3,000 study spaces available within the reading rooms throughout the building, all of which are bookable through the kiosk system.

SKKU Study Space Booking Kiosk

Over 270 PCs available for individual study

PC Cluster

The Lower ground floors provide a range of amenities to students.

Underground level 1 is an area for study and cultural exchange featuring a 24- hour reading room, book and journal stacks and an auditorium.

Also within this area, there are over 1,000 digital lockers, providing secure storage facilities for both immediate and short term needs and longer periods.

Digital Lockers

Operated through Student ID card

Range of booking options via touchscreen

The lockers are set up to provide the students with a range of options.  Lockers can be booked for 1, 3 or 6 months, and in this facility, the lockers on the top 3 rows are programmed for longer term hire.  The lockers on the other rows are available for short term, ad hoc booking, and can even be booked by individuals or students can arrange to share a locker.
This system has proved to be enormously popular with students.

The Auditorium for cultural performances and conferences

Also coated on the lower ground floor is an auditorium, again, it is becoming familiar to find lecture theatres being included in Library construction here.  Once again, the set up is for both active participation (front two rows, mainly conference activity) and for a general audience.  Support is provided by Library staff.

The Book and Journal area provides students with access to texts not freely available on the library bookstacks elsewhere in the building.

The students select their texts, again using a kiosk system, print a booking slip which they then hand to the librarian.

Book and Journal booking system

Secure high density stacks

The Librarian then collects the texts from the secure stacks.

booking and journal waiting area

Located on Floor 2 is a multimedia complex providing facilities including AV equipment, a cinema room and a media editing room.

The range of facilities available is quite surprising, not only modern equipment as we would expect, but some "legacy" equipment also to ensure that all media can be accessed, although it is acknowledged that some of these facilities are seeing less and less use.

CD player Stations

These CD stations remind me of the 60's when you went to the record store (yes, vinyl) and got the latest disc played before you decided to buy!

Media Viewing Room

This media viewing room is really cool and the chairs are very comfortable

Media Viewing booth

 This room also has editing facilities located around the periphery and also includes....

Outside the room is a facility for MP3

MP3 Station for seed and standing use

The Students can also take online courses here.

Students taking an online course

Level 3 and Level 4 are open access reading areas with offices for subject librarians

Level 3 Library and Study Area

Level 3 PC Cluster

Level 5;  The "Free Community Zone"

This level is designed to accommodate a number of activities including study, exhibitions and cultural events.

There is a cafe located on this floor in an area that provides fantastic views across campus and wonderful light.

Cafe and open study area

Large windows, high ceilings and great light 

view of cafe and study area

The space also includes some group study working areas

Group study seating arrangement with writing board

Group Study area

Group Study Rooms

On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors there are a range of group study rooms of various sizes.  Most of them overhang and overlook the atrium providing interesting views for the occupants and onlookers.

View from 5th floor Study Rooms

View from Study room

The study rooms are very simply furnished with tables and chairs.

This study area was an open alcove, access to power is in the floor

Some of the larger rooms have display facilities.

Group Study Room with display facilities

 All of the rooms have yellow glass writing boards

Views onto study area outside

Study area outside Group Study room

Glass writing board with cleverly designed pen shelf

My visit to the Library was quite early in the day, which is why there were not so many students around, but that made it easier to talk in more detail about the facilities and take pictures.

This Library is a wonderful environment for learning.  The design of the space is such that the building feels friendly, informal and comfortable, and the light everywhere is truly wonderful.  There is a feeling of space in all areas, and of course there is plenty of space for all the students and the rich and varied activities being undertaken in the building.