• Journal of the Korean BIBLIA Society for library and Information Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.223-236
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• 2009

This study focuses on how public libraries in East Germany adjusted themselves into new environments after the unification during 15 years(1990~2005). First, system and operation of East Germany's public libraries are studied and public libraries in West and East Germany are compared before the unification. After public libraries in East Germany became unified with West Germany, the structure of East Germany's public libraries changed, many of public libraries and labor libraries were closed and collection in those libraries was discarded or replaced. Thus, it is studied how libraries enhanced their capabilities and discovered their roles or identities in changing situations in this research.

• Journal of the Korean BIBLIA Society for library and Information Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.97-126
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• 2002

We, Korean, still remember the moment that we got so excited due to the expectation of unification between North and South Korea which turned to be failure when Kim, Il-Sung passed away in 1994. However, the recent close relationship between two Koreas has shown the remarkable improvement, and North Korea seems to be ready to expose itself to the western capitalism. The special economy zone in Sinewuiju is one of the examples showing the gradual change in N. Korea. This political change has made possible the cultural exchanges between two countries, which is similar to the process of German unification. It is absolutely necessary to learn from the previous experience happened during the German unification. We, then, need to realize how the Germany managed the problems aroused by unification Especially, the matter in integrating two different public library systems in East and West Germany is treated as a major concern through the paper. The method Germany applied on integrating two different systems was to dissolve the one in East and let it be absorbed by the one in West even the public library system in East German was known as a well-organized network. Therefore, this paper shows the process of the development of East German public library and harmonization of two different public library systems.