Over the past few decades, community engagement in national university libraries has been extensively discussed in library literature. These collaborations aim to provide educational opportunities, fulfill responsibilities to local communities, and s...
Over the past few decades, community engagement in national university libraries has been extensively discussed in library literature. These collaborations aim to provide educational opportunities, fulfill responsibilities to local communities, and share research resources. This dissertation investigates comprehensive strategies to strengthen community engagement services offered by national university libraries in South Korea. To achieve this, a study was conducted involving the websites and literature of 10 national universities in South Korea and state universities in North America. Additionally, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight national university librarians from March to May 2024. Interview data were analyzed through the constant comparative method.
Through the case studies, it is evident that the range of services provided to local communities has significantly expanded compared to their early stages. This expansion has been classified into four primary areas for analysis: the utilization of facilities and data, support for education and learning, cultural programs, and institutional collaborations, and partnerships. Although the scope of these services has broadened, several challenges have also emerged. University library staff reported an increased workload and negative perceptions from university members. Despite the growing demand for services, participants expressed concerns regarding reduced budgets and staffing levels, leading to operational challenges. To address these issues, participants recommended that the government develop a systematic plan for community engagement services and implement it systematically. Additionally, an integrated local website with expanded functionalities for resource sharing and information exchange among librarians and stakeholders was suggested to enhance utilization. These findings highlight the potential of national university libraries to strengthen their ties with the communities they serve.
The significance of this research lies in its provision of guidelines based on case studies of community engagement services in university libraries. By drawing on these studies, the research offers practical insights into how libraries can collaborate with local communities to effectively deliver and manage a variety of services. Through a careful examination of the current programs, this research serves as a valuable reference for developing future services that strengthen community engagement. Consequently, libraries can refer to this research when formulating plans for community engagement services at universities.