Abstract

This study was conducted as basic research for establishing a mid to long term development plan for libraries in Uiseong-gun, designated as a depopulated area. First, the social, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Uiseong-gun were analyzed and compared with the library infrastructure of depopulation areas similar in size with Uiseong-gun. In addition, a survey was conducted on the perception of users to understand the usage status of libraries, satisfaction with services and improvement plans, non-use factors, and demands for new libraries. Based on this process, the direction of Uiseong-gun library policy was presented. Specifically, four strategic directions for the development of libraries (future orientation, community revitalization, service specialization of the information poor, enhancement of local humanities and spiritual culture) and five key service tasks (building library brand, implementing innovative spaces and services, expanding library functions for improvement of settlement conditions of residents, developing and providing services for the elderly reflecting local characteristics, promoting reading culture) were derived. The proposed core tasks focused on future-oriented library services to overcome the limitations of a population decrease area and develop the potential of Uiseong-gun.