Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
- P-ISSN2466-2542
- KCI
Vol.56 No.4
Abstract
This study aimed to improve the performance of duplicate verification algorithms for MARC records by applying AI technology. To overcome the limitations of existing rule-based algorithms, we utilized AI embedding models based on semantic similarity of text to vectorize MARC records and verify duplicate records through similarity search and semantic similarity analysis. The specific research methodology consisted of two phases. First, we implemented a duplicate verification algorithm for MARC records based on vector similarity search using embedding models and evaluated its performance using the same dataset as the prior study. Second, reflecting on the evaluation results of the initial experiment, we implemented an algorithm that maximizes the advantages of the embedding approach—specifically, identifying duplicate records caused by variations in string notation. For this purpose, we evaluated the algorithm’s performance using newly constructed experimental data and evaluation metrics. The experimental dataset was designed to reflect notational variations that may occur in actual library settings, applying eight transformation rules. The results of the first experiment showed that the rate of correctly identifying identical groups as duplicates improved compared to the prior study. However, the embedding approach revealed limitations in areas requiring precise matching of numbers and special characters, such as incorrectly judging multi-volume materials with different volume information as similar. The results of the second experiment, designed to validate the advantages of the embedding approach, demonstrated 100% identification of both duplicate records and transformation rules across the entire experimental dataset.
Abstract
This study aims to effectively classify modern and subdivided Buddhism-related topics in the 6th ed. of the KDC and to improve classification tables that can improve user accessibility. The theoretical background of the study is that there is a practical logic that requires adjustment to the standard of refreshments in the amount of literature based on literary warrant, and the recent trend of publishing Buddhist-related materials is expanding to practical and convergent topics such as meditation and psychotherapy. However, KDC6 saw structural limitations in accepting these changes. Accordingly, the classification assignment ratio was examined by applying the publishing trend and literary warrant of Buddhist-related topics over the past five years in Korea. In addition, classification tables on Buddhism-related topics were compared and analyzed in KDC6, CLC5, and NDC10. Based on the analysis results, a classification table improvement (draft) that reinforces academic system and modern practicality was presented. To summarize the contents of the improvement (draft), first, it established the logical flow of ‘Buddhism￫Buddhist scriptures ￫ history/people ￫ sect/organization ￫ performance (practice) ￫ culture/art ￫ society’. Second, by accepting the characteristics of CLC5 and NDC10, the Buddhist scriptures were subdivided into three-part systems of Scriptures, Precepts, and Doctrinal writings. Third, by modernizing performance (practice), new themes such as ‘meditation’ and ‘psychology’ were placed, and distributed items of similar topics were integrated. Fourth, the sect was organized according to ideological and historical trends, and Lamaism was integrated to secure logic.
Abstract
This study examines how the fifth edition of the Korean Cataloging Rules (KCR 5) has reshaped cataloging practices for old and rare materials. It compares the structural principles and descriptive elements of KCR 4 and KCR 5, focusing on how each rule organizes bibliographic information and prioritizes descriptive components. Both sets of rules were applied to selected historical examples to reveal practical differences. KCR 4, grounded in a physical-item tradition, offers detailed descriptions of layout, frame size, and printing style—essential for identifying traditional Korean editions. In contrast, KCR 5 adopts the FRBR-LRM-based WEMI model, separating work, expression, manifestation, and item, thereby enhancing authority control and relational clarity. Yet this structural shift renders many physical and edition-specific details optional or relocated to note fields, reducing descriptive granularity. As shown in cases such as Donguibogam and Jeongsagongsin Jo on Sapae Wangji, key identifying features risk being obscured, underscoring both the strengths and the limitations of applying KCR 5 to rare materials.
Abstract
This study examined directions for improvement and implementation strategies for the National Library for the Disabled (NLD) in Korea regarding the production and collection of alternative materials for users with various disabilities. Since it was elevated to a primary agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in June 2020, the NLD has been preparing to construct an independent building. As a result, the NLD needs to expand its role beyond its traditional function of producing disability-specific alternative materials and develop into a specialized national library that comprehensively collects domestic and international popular and academic materials useful not only to people with disabilities but also to researchers in disability-related fields. The study conducted an in-depth analysis of the alternative materials produced and acquired by the library to date, categorizing them by disability type and subject area to identify existing limitations and challenges. Furthermore, interviews with five experts were conducted to gather suggestions for improving the production and collection of alternative materials. Based on these findings, the study proposed directions for developing alternative materials to address gaps in access to and use of knowledge and information for people with disabilities, which is the most urgent and important task for the NLD in strengthening library services for disabled users.
Abstract
As the types of university students are diversified due to the increase in the university enrollment rate of the disabled, universities are striving to provide support in academics, education, and research, as well as to offer an equitable educational environment. University libraries, which are central to education and research, are also designing and providing various services to ensure the information access authority and learning rights of users with various types of disabilities due to the increase in their numbers. In this study, a comparative research was conducted on national universities in South Korea and Japan to examine the services for the disabled in the university library website. A total of 22 national university library websites in South Korea and 45 in Japan were selected, and a status survey was carried out in four areas (website environment, resource search environment, user services, and other services). Based on the findings, suggestions are made to explore ways to improve the services for the disabled in the website of the library of Korea National University was sought and proposed.
Abstract
This study was conducted to prepare a development strategy to respond to the increase in demand for public library services and infrastructure due to the rapid urban expansion and population growth of H city, as part of a basic study for establishing a mid- to long-term development plan for the H city library. Therefore, by analyzing the infrastructure and operation status of the H city public library, we first tried to derive a direction for preparing a strategy for the development of the H city public library. In addition, a survey was conducted on residents of H city to analyze the perceptions and needs of library users and non-users, and to identify factors of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with existing services and facilities. By comprehensively analyzing the results of these studies, a specific implementation strategy reflecting the various needs and expectations of the residents was proposed, and a strategic direction for the development of the H city public library was suggested. In particular, the goal was to improve the quality of library services and infrastructure so that the H city library could establish itself as an important educational and cultural space in the community. The results of this study will contribute to the development of the H city public library to actively respond to changes in the social, cultural, and technological environment, thereby driving the mid-to long-term development of the H city library.
Abstract
This study is a qualitative case study conducted through interviews with the school librarian, subject teachers, and students to identify examples of marketing strategies applied by the school librarian to revitalize the S Tourism High School library in Seoul. As a result of the study, there was a difference in multidimensional perception of the role of the school library. While librarian teachers recognized the library as a problem-solving-oriented learning space that fosters core competencies in the information age, students recognized it as a familiar community and rest space where they could interact with and enjoy comfortably with friends. The key success factors in revitalizing the library were the strategic leadership of librarian teachers and active practice centered on human relations. Major marketing strategies were implemented in accordance with the characteristics of the user group. For teachers, indirect marketing was effective in positioning the library as an assistant/guide to increase the diversity of education by inducing cooperative classes linked to their concerns, class, and performance evaluation. For students, participation was induced by linking records of life records, providing snacks, and cultural gift certificates, and the threshold for library use was lowered through olfactory marketing such as baking sweet potatoes and strict deregulation. As a result of these marketing activities, teachers recognized the effectiveness of cooperative classes, students recognized the library as a comfortable and free space, and the frequency of visits increased. In the future, a common requirement was drawn that it is necessary to improve a comfortable space where rest and learning coexist and to develop a professional promotion strategy using SNS and posters.
Abstract
This study explored the reading experiences of older adults through their participation in public library reading clubs within the framework of serious leisure. As Korea becomes a super-aged society, the role of meaningful leisure in later life has gained importance. Three focus group interviews were conducted—one for each of the senior reading clubs (18 participants in total)—and the transcripts were analyzed using Stebbins’ (1982; 1994; 2009; 2020) six characteristics of serious leisure. Findings showed that perseverance appeared in overcoming eyesight decline and managing reading time; career in expanding reading scope and developing close reading habits; personal effort in sustained reading and active club participation; durable benefits in cognitive and emotional growth; unique ethos in mutual respect and openness; and identity in self-awareness and belonging as a reader. Emotion analysis revealed mainly negative emotions about physical limitations and strong positive emotions about cognitive and psychological rewards. Overall, seniors’ reading experiences formed a cyclical process—beginning with perseverance and developing through career and personal effort toward durable benefits, ethos, and identity. These results suggest that serious leisure offers a valuable framework for understanding seniors’ reading experiences and provide practical insights for library programs that enhance the quality of later life.
Abstract
This study empirically analyzes the impact of the public library registration system, introduced in December 2022, on librarian staffing. Using data from the National Library Statistics System for three years before (2019-2021) and after (2022-2024) the implementation, the study tracked quantitative changes in total librarian staffing and conducted an in-depth analysis of growth patterns and compositional changes between regular and non-regular librarians. Specifically, the study examined the impact of the registration system on employment structures through growth rates and compositional changes by employment type during each three-year period. To this end, a chi-square test of independence was conducted to statistically verify the association between the implementation of the registration system and growth patterns by employment type, and to determine whether the observed changes were statistically significant. Based on the analysis results, the study empirically verified the policy effects of the registration system, identified discrepancies between the policy's original goals and actual outcomes, and derived policy recommendations for future institutional improvements. This study is significant in that it empirically validates the alignment between policy intentions and actual outcomes by analyzing the actual patterns of librarian staffing expansion by employment type following the implementation of the registration system.
Abstract
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of small-library support policies from an outcome-attainment perspective rather than relying on output-oriented operational evaluations. To this end, existing output-based evaluation indicators were redesigned into outcome-focused indicators capable of assessing the degree of goal achievement, and were then used to identify (1) priority policy areas, (2) the outcome domains expected from those policies, and (3) the perceived core roles of small-libraries. For each domain, Outcome Attainment Rates (OARs) were calculated to assess policy effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods design, the study conducted a nationwide survey of officials responsible for small-libraries in 16 metropolitan-level and 226 basic-level local governments, and calculated OARs with reference to the redesigned indicators. In addition, semi-structured interviews (focus-group and one-to-one) were conducted with 40 officials to collect and analyze information on policy implementation processes, contexts, and constraints, thereby strengthening the interpretation of the quantitative findings. The results indicate that the attainment levels of both priority policies and their expected outcome domains are generally moderate, whereas the realization of the core functions of small libraries remains relatively low (below 20% at the metropolitan level and around 40% at the basic local level). Based on these findings, the study derives policy implications and proposes directions for improving the institutional and operational frameworks for small-library support and activation.
Abstract
The space composition of public libraries is a complex structure that operates within multilayered interactions among users, librarians, and services, going far beyond simple architectural arrangement. However, many public libraries in Korea currently face issues such as fragmented spaces, limited visibility, inefficient librarian workflows, and disrupted service delivery, largely due to remodeling projects that fail to reflect on-site operations. To address these challenges, this study proposes a public library space factor model and key considerations that can connect user spaces, librarian spaces, and service spaces. This model is designed to ensure functional continuity and operational efficiency through the interaction of these three core spatial components. It is expected that this model will offer a new direction for shifting public library space design from currently driven by architects’ perspectives or policy departments’ focus on visible outcomes to toward an approach centered on librarians’ practical work and the fundamental functions and roles of the library.
Abstract
This study aims to systematically define the AI literacy competencies required of academic librarians and to develop and implement an assessment rubric tailored to the academic library context. To this end, major international standards—including ACRL (2025), UNESCO (2024), and EDUCAUSE (2024)—as well as relevant domestic and international literature were reviewed to construct an AI literacy framework comprising four core domains (technical knowledge, critical evaluation, practical application, and ethical practice) and eighteen sub-competencies. The rubric developed in this study was pilot-tested through self-assessment with 42 academic librarians, and its structural validity and internal consistency were verified using exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis. The results indicate that the participants’ overall AI literacy level remains at a basic stage, with particularly low performance in responsibility-oriented competencies such as ethical practice, understanding of AI-related policies and regulations, and awareness of data bias. Furthermore, prior AI-related training was found to exert a significant positive influence on competencies across technical knowledge, practical application, and ethical practice. This study provides the first standardized assessment framework for diagnosing AI literacy among academic librarians, offering both scholarly and practical contributions. Based on the findings, the study emphasizes the need to establish practice-oriented continuing education programs and to develop national and institutional standards for AI literacy in the library sector.
Abstract
As numerous literacy concepts continue to emerge, the meanings and roles of each literacy type have become increasingly ambiguous. In response, this study defines all subdivided and differentiated forms of literacy collectively as X-literacy and identifies four shared core competency categories: foundational literacy, technical competency, practical competency, and value-creation competency. Based on these four categories, the study develops a conceptual X-literacy linkage framework that enables the integration of unique sub-competency factors across different X-literacy types. By connecting the distinctive competencies inherent in each literacy type, the proposed X-literacy framework provides a structured direction for cultivating the personal, social, and informational dimensions pursued by diverse literacies. Ultimately, it supports the comprehensive development of competencies required for future society.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to fulfill citizens’ right to know and enhance understanding of public libraries by disclosing management information about regional representative libraries, thereby gaining public support and endorsement. To this end, the study examined case studies from the annual reports and strategic planning reports of state libraries in the United States, as well as the five-year library service plans and evaluation reports submitted to the IMLS. Most metropolitan representative libraries in Korea uniformly present only basic operational information, such as organizational charts, job descriptions, and the number of items in their collections. This prevents the public from understanding the specific operational details, management performance, and objective evaluations of these libraries. It also makes it difficult to distinguish their roles and functions from those of other public libraries. Therefore, we emphasize the necessity and justification for actively referencing examples of management information disclosure, such as those found on the websites of U.S. state libraries, to inform the entire public about the goals, performance outcomes, and evaluation results of regional representative libraries.
Abstract
The objectives of this study are to empirically analyze the current status of Suwon Public Libraries and make a mid- to long-term development strategies. A survey was conducted with 989 library users and non-users, and a focus group interviews was held with eight library staff members. The results show that users reported high satisfaction with librarians’ friendliness and professionalism and evaluated the overall library operations positively. In contrast, satisfaction with digital services was comparatively low. Library staff identified the excellent accessibility and extensive facility infrastructure, while the lack of professional librarians and budgetary constraints were weak. Based on these findings, the study proposes expansion of librarian staffing, intergenerational service system, reinforcement of the library as multifunctional cultural space, and enhancement of physical and cognitive accessibility.