Abstract

Since government institutions begin working 40 hours each week, public libraries in Korea face the challenge of not only enhancing the quality of life for librarians by improving their work environment, but also providing adequate information services for patrons. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential problems which could happen with the 40 working-hours each week in public libraries, and establish the strategies for resolving these problems. For this study, based on the existing research, an attempt is made to review and analyze the following facts: (1) the details of planning for 40 working-hours each week at the government institutions in Korea; (2) the current work environment and service strategies of public libraries in other countries, including the U.S., where librarians work 40 hours each week; (3) the present state of managing public libraries with 40 working-hours each week in Korea; and (4) the strategies of public libraries as a part of cultural infrastructure in preparing for 40 working-hours each week which will be fully implemented at the government institutions in Korea.