9th National Library Committee Launched to Oversee Policy for Next Two Years

The 9th National Library Committee has officially launched in South Korea, tasked with formulating and coordinating national library policies over the next two years. The committee is chaired by Professor Kim Ki-young of Yonsei University's Department of Library and Information Science, who was appointed in May.

The committee, which officially convened on July 20, comprises government ministers and civilian experts. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism serves as the vice chair, alongside 12 other ministers from various government bodies who are ex officio members. The 14 civilian members represent a diverse range of fields, including academia, library science, publishing, culture, arts, and education.

Notable civilian members include former Seoul Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon, poet Park Joon, and library culture critic Lee Yong-hoon. The committee also includes younger professionals, such as 30-year-old lawyer Kang Ji-eun and startup CEO Park Min-hyuk, alongside academics and library professionals.

Established under the "Library Act," the National Library Committee has been responsible for deliberating and coordinating nationwide library policies since its inception in 2007. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that the 9th committee, with its broad expertise, will focus on the "4th Comprehensive Plan for Library Development." The goal is to ensure that core values such as "warm companionship, community growth, and a sustainable future" are tangibly experienced by the public through policy implementation.

The committee's agenda includes library usage policies and workforce development. The diverse composition of the committee, drawing from academia, library 현장 (field), publishing, culture, arts, and education, is intended to bring a comprehensive approach to shaping the future of libraries in South Korea.

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The 9th committee is composed of experts from academia, the library field, as well as publishing, culture and arts, and education. Based on the members' expertise and field experience, we will focus our policy capabilities on flawlessly implementing the 4th Comprehensive Plan for Library Development and ensuring that the core values of 'warm companionship, community growth, and a sustainable future' are experienced by the public in their daily lives.