Libraries are increasingly serving as key hubs for digital transformation, social inclusion and stronger ties to local communities.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Thursday that the presidential National Library Committee’s review of 2025 implementation results under the Fourth Comprehensive Library Development Plan (2024-2028) found 31 items rated “excellent,” up 11 from 2024.
Another 17 items were assessed as proceeding as planned, and one was rated not implemented. No items were classified as insufficient or needing improvement, indicating the policies are being carried out steadily. By institution, 23 of 48 agencies received an “excellent” rating and 25 were rated as proceeding normally.
The evaluation was conducted to gauge the effectiveness of library policy and how well it is applied in the field. The committee used performance reports and self-assessments submitted by each agency and followed a three-step process: written reviews by a 21-member evaluation panel, a review of objections, and a full committee meeting.
At a Library Day ceremony scheduled for Thursday morning, the government plans to honor 13 initiatives from 12 top-rated institutions — four central government bodies, six metropolitan or provincial governments, and two basic local governments — with 2 million won per project in prize money.
Among central government agencies, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency built and operated a “Digital Jiphyeonjeon” platform to integrate dispersed policy and academic information and to upgrade AI-based search, strengthening the foundation for using national knowledge resources. The Rural Development Administration built an agricultural science academic information database and expanded links to open-access papers to provide tailored information services and bolster research support.
The National Library of Korea introduced AI and robotic process automation to streamline repetitive tasks and cut processing time as it shifts to a digital work environment. The National Library for the Disabled expanded international sharing and cooperation on alternative materials, improving access to information for people with disabilities and helping narrow information gaps.
Among metropolitan and provincial governments, the Seoul Metropolitan Government built a cooperation system linking libraries, bookstores and publishers to energize the local reading ecosystem. The Busan Metropolitan Government created a “Memory of Busan” repository to strengthen the preservation and use of local records. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province used a Jeju-language storytelling program to support preservation of the regional language and cultural transmission across generations.
Basic local governments were selected for awards for the first time since the Fourth Comprehensive Plan began. Nowon Central Library in Seoul’s Nowon District established an operating system based on library big-data analysis (LIBanalysis) to improve data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. Hadong County in South Gyeongsang Province held a Korea-Japan book concert tied to the Toji Literature Festival, expanding international exchange rooted in local literature and promoting local identity.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.