Study Abroad in Seoul: an Overview of South Korean Libraries

Abstract

In August 2006 the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee sponsored a three-week study abroad program in Seoul, South Korea. Through on-sight visits and presentations at libraries of various types in and around the city, the program provided an overview of current practices and trends in South Korean libraries. Capitalizing on the country’s strong economy and centralization, Korean libraries have developed greatly in recent years, and their current facilities and services demonstrate a strong national commitment to adopting new technologies and to utilizing libraries as institutions.