Abstract

Due to the rapid advancement of information technology and changes in the reading environment, the readers’ advisory services provided by public libraries are facing challenges and opportunities. Recognizing the need for public libraries to respond and propel their services forward, this study analyzed the current status of online readers’ advisory services offered by public libraries in Korea and discusses areas that require improvement. To achieve this, the study analyzed the online readers’ advisory services in 50 public libraries located in Seoul and six metropolitan cities (Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, Busan, and Ulsan) across seven categories. These categories encompass various aspects, such as announcing reading programs and new books, identifying and addressing reader needs, developing content by librarians, generating content by readers, providing guidance on external reading information, connecting with professional book review databases and online websites, and utilizing social media services. Through this analysis, the study identified areas for improvement to enhance online readers’ advisory services in public libraries and ultimately improve reader satisfaction. It suggested enhancing activities such as librarians’ book recommendations and reviews for individual readers, reader participation, and interaction.