National Library of Korea Signs MOU with National Central Library of Rome... "Opening a New Chapter of Korea-Italy Cooperation"

MOU Signed on October 24
First Direct Exchange with the National Central Library of Rome

The National Library of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 24 with the National Central Library of Rome to promote exchange and cooperation in the field of libraries.

The memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the National Library of Korea and the National Central Library of Rome. From the left in the photo, Stefano Campagnolo, Director, and Hee-Seop Kim, Director of the National Library of Korea. Provided by the National Library of Korea.

The National Central Library of Rome, established in 1876, is one of Italy's leading national libraries, housing approximately 7 million volumes and a wide range of ancient documents. Along with the National Central Library of Florence, it plays a central role in building the national bibliography and preserving publications, serving as a cornerstone of Italy's library system.

This Memorandum of Understanding was initiated as the Director of the National Central Library of Rome visited Korea to attend the opening ceremony of the collaborative exhibition "Festina Lente: Aldus Manutius, the Great Publisher Who Changed the World" with the National Museum of World Writing Systems. Through this agreement, the two institutions have committed to cooperate in various areas, including sharing information and experience in the library sector, exchanging and visiting staff, exchanging publications, sharing knowledge resources and information, collaborating on exhibitions and cultural programs, and other forms of mutual cooperation.

Since 2018, the National Library of Korea has operated a Korean Collection within the Library of the Department of Oriental Studies at Sapienza University of Rome, but this is the first direct collaboration with the National Central Library of Rome. With the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, a new foundation for exchange between the libraries of both countries has been established, and practical cooperation in a variety of fields is expected to develop in the future.

At the signing ceremony, Hee-seop Kim, Director of the National Library of Korea, stated, "Italy has played an important role in preserving and researching the world's cultural and documentary heritage. Through this agreement, I hope that the libraries of both countries will become strong partners, sharing knowledge and culture and growing together."