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.