Abstract

This study was implemented to verify the validity and effectiveness of the current evaluation indicators by analyzing the content and result of the current survey for evaluating a small library, based on the achievement rate of each index. To this end, questions, included in evaluation indices for the small library were reviewed, and survey data from a total of 19,476 libraries during the past 3 years from 2018 to 2020 were investigated to analyze the evaluation scores, differences and achievement rates of each item. It was proposed to delete or add some indicators of the current evaluation category, and to raise supplementally the need for qualitative assesment. Based on the research results, the following implications are suggested. First of all, the evaluation of small libraries should focus on the quality of the services they provide rather than the library environment. Second, demonstrable systematic indicators should be designed and then clearly explained to resolve the ambiguity of the terms used. Third, for better analysis, it is necessary to distinguish evaluation items between public and private small libraries and the assessment process should be done by the local government. Lastly, qualitative evaluation items that can measure users' satisfaction should be added.