Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a policy for the use of libraries and the promotion of the reading culture by the characteristics of communities, along with changes in social environment. It, therefore, analyzed the general condition of libraries, infrastructures for libraries and reading culture and the environment including the relevant legal system in Chungcheongnam-do, and examined the actual conditions of inhabitants’ (students and general people) use of libraries and reading culture, and librarians. On the basis of the findings, it proposed the policy for the use of 20 libraries and the promotion of the reading culture, by dividing Chungcheongnam-do into six regional settlement areas, discovering policy tasks for the use of libraries and the promotion of the reading culture and collecting suggestions from librarians living in Chungcheongnam-do, to reflect the characteristics of communities in Chungeongnam-do, and therefore, suggest a desirable policy agenda. To pursue the policy proposed, it is necessary to reinforce the role and the status of libraries representing for metropolitan regions and to secure adequate personnel and budgets, in addition to effort made by libraries located at regional settlement areas.