Abstract

This study examined relevant literature to review the concept of low-income class, its criteria and types. Based on the cases surveyed, the service status of public libraries for low-income class in South Korea was determined. Based on the findings of this study, we proposed new library services necessary for low-income class, such as the implementation of relevant programs aimed at resolving the digital information divide of low-income class, the introduction of employment programs for the self-economic-support for low-income class adults, and the introduction of reading and counseling therapy services. In addition, this study proposed five policies for activating library services for the low-income class: (1) To revise the act on library law so as to clarify the concept of low-income class, its criteria and types, (2) to revise the master plan for library development so as to bolster the library services for low-income class, (3) to conduct a national-level survey of the low-income class status and of the library service status, (4) to determine the actual features of the low-income class and their information demands, and (5) to prepare library services tailored to the diverse types of low-income class.