Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the categories of information-disadvantaged groups defined in Comprehensive Library Development Plans and to analyze the performance of related services by utilizing statistical data from the National Library Statistical System. The ultimate goal was to provide implications for future projects targeting information-disadvantaged groups. To achieve this, the study analyzed the contents of the implementation strategies for information-disadvantaged groups in the 1st to 4th comprehensive library development plans, along with statistical data from the National Library Statistical System from 2014 to 2023. The research findings revealed that while there were some differences in the scope of information-disadvantaged groups defined in each comprehensive library development plan, the categories generally included people with disabilities, multicultural users, the elderly, military personnel, inmates, and patients and their caregivers. Furthermore, data analysis showed that public library services for information-disadvantaged groups have been continuously expanding. However, when comparing the growth rates and averages between the 2nd and 3rd plan periods, the overall values were slightly higher in the 2nd plan period. Considering that some values decreased in the 3rd plan compared to the quantitative growth in the 2nd plan, and the stagnation of the utilization rate of services for information-disadvantaged groups, more efforts should be made to achieve better results in the 4th plan. Additionally, to improve services in special libraries for military personnel, inmates, patients, and caregivers, cooperation among related government agencies and systematic data management are necessary.