Abstract

This paper examines the characteristics of 23 libraries affiliated with educational institutions of the Korean miltary. Materials and data used in this analysis were obtained from a variety of statute books, Korean Library Association publications, past works in military-related research, questionnaires and interviews with library staff. For each military educational institutions, the background to its foundation and Its current operations are briefly reviewed. Library characteristics subjected to analysis pertain to the following 8 areas： location and architecture, stack arrangement, furniture and furnishings, personnel, service elements, budget, book stock, and extent of computerization. The affiliated library (consisting of reading rooms and/or stack rooms) is then classified as belonging to one of the following three levels: graduate-school level (total of 4 libraries), university level (5 libraries), and technical-school level (14 libraries). When necessary. particular libraries are examined in detail. This research reveals that while most graduate-school and university level libraries are being operated on a relatively sound basis, there are significant disparities among university level libraries. As for technical-school level libraries, the lack of professional staff and service elements for users is seriously impairing their operations. In order to address these problems and support military education and research in the age of segyehwa and information, it is suggested that the Korean military formulate comprehensive measures to modernize library facilities and improve their operations.