Chronicling the past, enriching the present, investing for the future: The Myriad Prospects of the Rajagiri Finance Museum within a Library Setting-A Case Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26512/rici.v18.n3.2025.59017

Keywords:

Experiential Learning, Finance Museum, Education, Teaching Pedagogy, Libraries, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (India)

Abstract

The Rajagiri Finance Museum, housed within the Fr. Moses Library at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kerala, India, represents a unique confluence of commerce, history, and education within a higher education setting. This case study examines the museum’s role in fostering experiential learning and promoting cultural and academic engagement through innovative practices. Showcasing an extensive collection of coins, financial documents, and traditional trade instruments, the museum offers a tangible narrative of Kerala’s vibrant trade history and its historical connections to global commerce. Adopting a descriptive research approach, the study draws on expert consultations in museology and financial history, detailed analysis of curated exhibits, and feedback from students and stakeholders. Technology integration—through QR-code-enabled virtual tours and interactive displays—has notably enhanced accessibility and broadened engagement, particularly among digital-native learners. The findings reveal that the museum significantly enriches students’ understanding of trade and finance by transforming passive knowledge acquisition into active, immersive learning experiences. Expert input has refined the curation process, ensuring historical accuracy and pedagogical value. While challenges such as resource constraints and the long-term preservation of artefacts persist, the museum stands as a dynamic model for integrating cultural heritage within academic environments. Ultimately, the Rajagiri Finance Museum exemplifies how educational institutions can creatively leverage historical artefacts and digital innovations to cultivate lifelong learning, strengthen interdisciplinary linkages, and preserve intangible cultural heritage for future generations.

Author Biographies

  • P. V. Vijesh, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala, India

    I am a librarian with over 18 years of experience in college library administration at Rajagiri Group of Institutions, Kerala, India. Renowned for pioneering user studies,community engagement literary initiatives, public library development digital literacy, Scientometrics, and content analysis research, my prolific career showcases a profound commitment to advancing knowledge. A distinguished scholar, I am excels in research and publication, demonstrating leadership in journal launch and administration support.

  • Shinto Joseph, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala, India

    Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala

  • N. K. Nikhil, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala, India

    Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala

  • K. Anand, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala, India

    Assistant Professor, Department of Languages, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala

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Published

2025-11-26

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 3 (2025): Revista Ibero-Americana de Ciência da Informação

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2025 P. V. Vijesh, Shinto Joseph, N. K. Nikhil, K. Anand

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