Examination of Disputes between the National Library of Korea and the National Assembly Library

Abstract

There exist two national libraries in Korea: the National Library of Korea (NLK) and the National Assembly Library (NAL). Given that both libraries perform the national library function, debates on their unification began in the 1950s and continued up until the mid-1970s. Even in the 21st century, disputes pertaining to the exclusive use of the title national representative library continue between the two libraries. This paper examines the disputes between the two national libraries of Korea from the beginning of the library legislation activities of the 1950s up to the present time.

Keywords

• national library
• library act
• Korea
• National Assembly Library
• National Central Library