Websites as recordings of a moment become national records

The NLK renews its OASIS website

On July 15, the National Library of Korea (Chief Executive Suh Hye Ran) opened its renewed OASIS website (nl.go.kr/oasis), the only web resource archiving system in South Korea.

Photo. The OASIS website

According to the library, the revamped website offers improved web access, a simplified and more intuitive design and menus, and an improved user experience through integrated and faceted search functions. By applying responsive technologies, the website now can be accessed through various mobile devices as well.

Officially mandated to collect online resources produced in the country in accordance with the Libraries Acts, the NLK launched OASIS in 2004 to collect and preserve websites and other online resources.

As of 2022, there are more than 1.05 million websites registered in South Korea. About 300,000 websites close down every year and a similar number are created. OASIS provides access to over 1.56 million online resources, including those that would otherwise no longer exist, such as the website for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (www.incheon2014ag.org) and the website for the Prime Minister’s Office (www.pmo.go.kr).

Striving to develop a diverse range of content tailored to the needs of users, the NLK also offers collections of resources by theme or issue. Examples include major elections (e.g., the 20th Presidential Election and the April 7 by-election), international sports games (e.g., the 2020 Tokyo Olympics), and disasters (e.g., the Covid-19 pandemic).

“The OASIS website is a valuable resource that preserves the memories of our era,” said an NLK official. “The NLK will continue to collect and preserve the country’s digital resources regarding not only historical events, but also the lives of common people, and deliver them to future generations.”

(Source)

https://www.nl.go.kr/NL/contents/N50603000000.do?schM=view&id=43406&schBcid=normal0302