A Study on the Changes in the Use of Public Libraries in Korea and Countermeasures

Kim,, Y. (2021). A Study on the Changes in the Use of Public Libraries in Korea and Countermeasures. Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society, 52(2), 379-400, https://doi.org/10.16981/kliss.52.2.202106.379

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Abstract

This study aims to analyze the trend of library use according to the expansion of public library infrastructure in Korea, and to search for new roles and services of libraries based on the results of the study. Using the statistical analysis, literature review and partially interview method, the number of borrowers and loans from 2009 to 2019 were analyzed. The result of the survey reveals that the number of public libraries increased by 61.3% during the survey period, while the number of borrowers decreased by 57.5%, and the number of book loans increased only by 18.2%. The result of the analysis claims that the causes of the decrease in the number of materials borrowers were an error in the process of inputting statistics and manipulating the number of book loans by the local library. The population of children and young adults decreased during the survey period, which led to a decrease in the number of children and young adult borrowers. The result of the study reveals that the increase in the use of public libraries in Korea, like other advanced countries, is stagnant. The following new roles and services are suggested for the development of public libraries: Libraries expand non-face-to-face services and electronic resources, and promote their use. Libraries expand cultural and lifelong learning programs further.

keywords: 공공도서관, 공공도서관 이용, 자료 대출자 수, 대출 책 수, 이용 감소

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Article Contents

Vol.52 No.2

A Study on the Changes in the Use of Public Libraries in Korea and Countermeasures

Abstract

Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society