• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.139-160
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• 2023

The research was undertaken to explore the role of the public library as a public sphere. For this, the characteristics and meanings of the library's role were examined by analyzing the public spheres operated by the public library. Data were collected through interviews with librarians at Seongbuk Public Libraries in Seoul. Data collected were coded using NVivo for thematic analysis. As a result of the study, the characteristics and meanings of the library's role in the public sphere were identified in the following five types; 1) A place for meeting, communication and interaction of citizens, 2) Supporting citizen learning and growth through information services and discussion on the subject, 3) Expanding civic participation in the community and strengthen civic power, 4) Strengthening citizens' experience of democracy, 5) Improving citizens' perception of libraries and expanding the library's influence on citizens. In particular, it was found that information services enhance citizen interaction and spread of public opinion on the agenda. The results of this study can be used as a basis for developing and supporting libraries as community public spheres.