Abstract

This study aims to analyze the current status of specialized services in public libraries in the Busan, identify associated issues, and propose improvement strategies. To achieve this, a survey was conducted among the staff of 25 public libraries, excluding two libraries (one of which was temporarily closed) out of the 27 libraries operating under the 2022 Library Development Plan. The survey covered topics such as the current status of specialized services, perceptions of specialization, and strategies for the development of specialized services. The survey results revealed that in 16 libraries, specialized collections accounted for less than 5% of the total collections; 20 libraries had no dedicated librarian, and in 15 libraries, the budget for specialized materials was less than 5% of the total materials acquisition budget. Despite these challenges, the librarians recognized the necessity and legitimacy of specialized services and believed that these services should continue, even in the face of insufficient personnel and budget. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of the role of metropolitan representative libraries, along with related training and the assignment of dedicated librarian, for the development of specialized services.