Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out ways for establishing the identity and for strengthening the function of Dong-office minilibraries, which are nation-widely sprouted according to the Government’s policy of converting the Dong-office’s functions. The general operating status of the minilibraries were investigated by telephone interviews with the minilibrary operators, the collection and usage status by on-site observations, and the user behaviour by user surveys. For the effective operation of the Dong-office minilibraries, they should be identified as service stations of public libraries, supported technically by the local public libraries, and connected to the local educational and social service institutions for the securance of users and volunteers. Networks among the minilibrary operators should also be established for exchanges and cooperations. Furthermore, operating models should be developed according to the library’s environments and the user’s needs.