This study aims to empirically examine the effects of book curation services on collection use in public libraries and to explore differences in usage patterns between curated and non-curated materials. While book curation has emerged as a prominent s...
This study aims to empirically examine the effects of book curation services on collection use in public libraries and to explore differences in usage patterns between curated and non-curated materials. While book curation has emerged as a prominent strategy for improving thematic access, enhancing discoverability, and guiding users’ reading experiences in contemporary public libraries, its measurable impact on collection use has not been sufficiently verified through quantitative methodologies. Existing research has primarily focused on qualitative assessments of user satisfaction or descriptive case studies, leaving a notable gap regarding the extent to which curated displays influence circulation behavior and long-term collection dynamics. To address this gap, the present study employs multiple usage indicators—including collection size, loan count, circulation rate, and use coefficient—to analyze how book curation reshapes collection use patterns and whether it activates the circulation of selected materials in a sustained and meaningful way.
To establish an analytical framework, the study first reviews domestic and international literature on curation concepts, service types, user behavior, and collection utilization. Empirical analysis was then conducted using data from four public libraries located in Hwaseong, Korea. Three years of statistical data (2022–2024) were collected, encompassing annual circulation statistics, curated-title lists, and curation records retrieved from library websites and the national Library Data Portal. A standardized preprocessing procedure—including normalization, removal of duplicate entries, and the alignment of reference dates—was applied prior to statistical testing. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine differences in loan counts between curated and non-curated materials, while a six-month comparison window spanning three months before and after each curation event was analyzed to identify changes in circulation rate and use coefficient.
The findings demonstrate that curated titles consistently exhibit higher loan counts, circulation rates, and usage coefficients than non-curated materials, with the most substantial increase occurring during the first month following curation. Importantly, this heightened usage persisted beyond a short-term spike, indicating that book curation produces a sustained collection circulation activation effect. The results further reveal that curated displays enhance the visibility of low-use or dormant items, stimulate latent user demand, and support balanced collection use without creating distortions or excessive concentration in specific subject areas.
Overall, the study provides robust empirical evidence for the strategic value of book curation in public library operations. The results suggest that curated displays play a significant role not only in guiding readers’ attention but also in improving the efficiency of collection management and promoting more active circulation across diverse materials. These findings highlight the potential of book curation as a sustainable, data-informed tool that can strengthen public library services, support user engagement, and contribute to more dynamic and responsive collection development practices.