Seoul City Takes Measures to Improve Working Conditions for Public Library Workers

Public Library Outsourcing Rate 78% Highest Nationwide
30.9% of Workers at Outsourced Libraries Are Non-Regular Employees

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] One in three workers at public libraries in Seoul were non-regular employees. The average length of service was 4.3 years, which was lower than the average for regular employees. The average monthly wage was found to exceed 2 million won only after three years or more.

On the 29th, Seoul City announced that it conducted a survey on the employment status of public library librarians containing these details and will prepare measures to improve labor rights and working conditions.

The survey results showed that the outsourcing rate for facilities and operations of public libraries in Seoul was 78%, the highest among metropolitan local governments nationwide. Among outsourced library workers, 30.9% were non-regular employees, with the majority being part-time and very short-term workers.

The city will form a 'Librarian Rights Improvement Task Force (TF)' to focus on discussing improvements in systems, labor, operational environment, and human rights issues. Seoul plans to enact an ordinance to protect the rights of public library librarians, develop operational guidelines, and promote the establishment of a standard wage plan for library librarians. Additionally, guidelines will be created to address emotional labor issues caused by verbal abuse or sexual harassment.

Mayor Park Won-soon said, "Through this first-ever nationwide effort to improve the rights and treatment of public library workers in Seoul, we will strengthen the sustainable foundation of public libraries as strategic bases to bridge knowledge and information gaps and enhance service quality."

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