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This study aimed to explore how libraries can secure their status as key institutions in addressing regional depopulation by transforming their roles in terms of securing cultural resources. To achieve this, the study examined the laws and policies designed to solve social issues related to population risks and explored the applicability of libraries. It also analyzed specific cases of public libraries established in regions facing the threat of depopulation to identify the positive impacts libraries can have in addressing regional extinction. Based on these findings, strategic responses for public libraries in the era of regional depopulation were derived. The specific strategies drawn from this study are as follows: First, libraries should be established as cultural infrastructures that revitalize the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the region. Second, libraries should provide services to mitigate the inequality of opportunities caused by regional depopulation. Third, they should operate programs that address aging and attract external populations to help stimulate the local economy. Fourth, differentiated and specialized libraries that reflect the identity of each region should be built, with the aim of branding these libraries to contribute to regional economic revitalization. Fifth, mobile libraries should be actively utilized to realize the vision of a livable regional era. Lastly, libraries should serve as spaces for solving local issues by reinforcing governance systems that focus on the participation of local residents and activists in addressing community challenges.

The purpose of this study is to analyze high school teachers’ perceptions on the importance of school libraries’ educational programs for inquiry based learning International Baccalaureate(IB) emphasizes on IBDP and IBCP. Using survey methodology the study collected 90 responses from 352 teachers in 49 high schools participating the IB inquiry & action teams from S office of education. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS 29. The results show that, first, teachers’ perceptions on the importance of the function of school libraries and the role of school library staffs according to approaches for teaching and learning(inquiry vs regular practice)did not show significant differences. Second, there was a strong positive linear correlation between the importance of the role of library staffs and the placement of teacher-librarians. Third, the effect of the importance of the role of library staffs on the educational programs of the school libraries was found. Specifically, The perceptions on the importance of school library’s educational programs were influenced by the perceptions on the importance of the role of school library staffs, not by the perceptions on the importance of the function of the library. This suggests the importance of emphasis on the role of library staff to promote collaboration with teachers in teaching for library education, not on managing school libraries. The results of the study will be the basis for identifying and promoting the teachers’ perceptions on the importance the school library’s educational programs for inquiry-based learning.

This study aims to identify the information needs and usage behavior of intellectual property professionals when dealing with patents, trademarks, and design-related tasks and to propose improvements for patent information databases. Based on Leckie’s model of professional information-seeking behavior, an online and offline survey was conducted with 168 respondents, including patent attorneys, intellectual property consultants, developers, administrative managers, and translators. The survey examined key information sources, types of information, usage behaviors, and the degree of information needs being met. The results showed that there was minimal variation in information usage behaviors among intellectual property professionals based on their job characteristics. However, there were differences in the use of AI-based functions in patent information databases and in the degree to which information needs were met. To improve patent information databases, the study suggests structuring data by linking patent information with market, product, case law, and litigation data, and improving search functionalities.