8,992 Billion Won Invested in Library Development... From "Quantitative Expansion" to "Qualitative Transformation"

8th Plenary Session of the National Library Committee, 8th Term
899.2 Billion Won Budget Allocated, 72% Focused on Local Communities
Development Implementation Plan and Public Library Evaluation Guidelines Finalized

In 2026, library policy will shift its focus from "quantitative expansion" to "qualitative transformation." Despite ongoing fiscal austerity, the budget will be increased, with more than 70% of the total funding allocated to local communities and community functions. Additionally, the evaluation criteria for public libraries will move away from a facility-centered approach to one centered on people and collaboration. Alongside efforts to attract international events, a continuous overseas expansion strategy will also be pursued.

The National Library Committee, under the President's Office, held its 5th plenary session of the 8th term at the National Library of Korea on January 30 and reviewed and approved the 2026 implementation plan and the revised guidelines for public library operations evaluation as part of the "4th Comprehensive Library Development Plan (2024-2028)."

According to the 2026 implementation plan, which marks the third year of the "4th Comprehensive Library Development Plan" confirmed on this day, a total of 899.2 billion won will be invested in library policy this year. This represents an increase of approximately 6% (53.1 billion won) compared to the previous year.

Of this, 651.7 billion won (72%) will be concentrated in the "community vitality, solidarity, and cooperation platform" sector, aiming to address regional extinction and improve residential conditions for local residents. Investments will also continue in expanding services for knowledge and information-vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, as well as in digital innovation for libraries.

The guidelines for evaluating public library operations will also be revised to promote qualitative growth. The weighting for "space and facility innovation," which previously held significant importance, will be reduced, while the scores for "librarian training" and "expansion of librarian workforce," both core elements of library services, will be increased. A new indicator for "cooperation with local bookstores" has also been introduced to encourage mutual growth between public libraries and local bookstores.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), which will be held at BEXCO in Busan in August 2026. With more than 3,000 experts from over 100 countries participating, the event is expected to serve as an opportunity to showcase Korea's library policy and information technology capabilities to the international community. The committee plans to not only host international events but also pursue a continuous overseas expansion strategy for the Korean library model.

Discussions also continued on strengthening the expertise of library professionals. The Special Expert Committee under the main committee proposed measures to train practical talent, such as strengthening the academic requirements in library and information science for obtaining the Level 2 Librarian certification and making field practice mandatory. Based on these recommendations, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to review improvements to the relevant systems.

Yoon Heeyoon, Chair of the National Library Committee, stated, "2026 will be a year to showcase the strength of 'K-Library' to the world through the World Library and Information Congress and Library Day events," adding, "The committee will do its part to ensure that the strengthening of librarian competencies and the implementation plan lead to real changes in the field."

Kim Yongseop, Director of Regional Culture Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, commented, "We will support the thorough implementation of the finalized plans so that libraries can become key institutions that transform the lives of the public and revitalize local communities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.