Abstract

National collections refer to the comprehensive body of materials that preserve and document a nation’s intellectual and cultural heritage, playing a critical role in maintaining national identity and historical continuity. Accordingly, it is essential for the National Library of Korea to establish a strategic plan for developing national collections, which represent a wealth of knowledge and cultural resources that enhance understanding of Korean society, culture, and history and are accessible to present and future generations. The purpose of this study is to establish a basic direction for strengthening the national collection capacities of the National Central Library, which has the responsibility for the comprehensive collection of national knowledge information and permanent preservation and provision. To this end, an analysis of major literature on national collections, a review of the current status of existing collections, in-depth interviews, and expert consultations were conducted. Furthermore, this study proposes a roadmap for national collection development, anchored in the vision of ‘creating future value through the systematic acquisition of national knowledge resources,’ and structured around three major policy goals—strategic expansion and enhancement of collections, sustainable infrastructure development, and enhanced national and international cooperation—alongside seven core tasks and twenty implementation strategies.