@article{ART003317700},
author={Lim, Yeojoo and JOO SOHYUN},
title={A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation},
journal={Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science},
issn={1229-2435},
year={2026},
volume={37},
number={1},
pages={239-267},
doi={10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239}
TY - JOUR
AU - Lim, Yeojoo
AU - JOO SOHYUN
TI - A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation
JO - Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science
PY - 2026
VL - 37
IS - 1
PB - Journal Of The Korean Biblia Society For Library And Information Science
SP - 239
EP - 267
SN - 1229-2435
AB - This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of user perceptions and attitudes toward private public libraries in Korea, and to explore the distinctive value and conditions for sustainable operation of such libraries. Two private public libraries with over 20 years of continuous operation were selected as cases. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with library directors, librarians, staff, and users, and analyzed using descriptive and axial coding. The findings are organized around four themes. First, both libraries function as embedded members of local community networks, actively participating in neighborhood activities and documenting community history. Second, users developed a strong sense of emotional belonging and perceived themselves not merely as service recipients but as members and contributors to the library. Third, the libraries served as spaces for human connection, facilitating the formation of book clubs and volunteer activities that brought together diverse community members. Fourth, financial instability, staffing constraints, and interpersonal conflicts arising from the intensity of community relationships were identified as key threats to sustainability. These findings suggest that the public nature of private public libraries is sustained through relationship-centered management, while also highlighting that structural support—particularly stable funding for professional staff—is essential for long-term viability.
KW - Private Public Libraries;User Perception;Local Community;Sustainability;Publicness
DO - 10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
ER -
Lim, Yeojoo and JOO SOHYUN. (2026). A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation. Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science, 37(1), 239-267.
Lim, Yeojoo and JOO SOHYUN. 2026, "A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation", Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science, vol.37, no.1 pp.239-267. Available from: doi:10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
Lim, Yeojoo, JOO SOHYUN "A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation" Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science 37.1 pp.239-267 (2026) : 239.
Lim, Yeojoo, JOO SOHYUN. A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation. 2026; 37(1), 239-267. Available from: doi:10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
Lim, Yeojoo and JOO SOHYUN. "A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation" Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science 37, no.1 (2026) : 239-267.doi: 10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
Lim, Yeojoo; JOO SOHYUN. A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation. Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science, 37(1), 239-267. doi: 10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
Lim, Yeojoo; JOO SOHYUN. A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation. Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science. 2026; 37(1) 239-267. doi: 10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
Lim, Yeojoo, JOO SOHYUN. A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation. 2026; 37(1), 239-267. Available from: doi:10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
Lim, Yeojoo and JOO SOHYUN. "A Case Study on User Attitudes towards Private Public Libraries and Their Sustainable Operation" Journal of the Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science 37, no.1 (2026) : 239-267.doi: 10.14699//kbiblia.2026.37.1.239
