Jongno-gu Purchases About 10,000 E-books to Expand 'Electronic Library Service'

Improving the Integrated Website of Public Libraries for Easier eBook Access and Expanding Service Channels...Promoting eBook Services through New Material Announcements Using Public SNS and Library Usage Guidance

Jongno-gu Electronic Library Homepage

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) is expanding its e-library service by purchasing an additional 10,000 e-books to support residents who are having difficulty using libraries due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

As the temporary closure of public libraries due to COVID-19 has been extended, the usage rate of e-books on the Jongno-gu e-library site has increased 5.6 times compared to the previous year, and steady borrowing rates have continued even after the limited reopening on July 16.

Accordingly, Jongno-gu significantly expanded its collection by adding 10,230 e-books consisting of new releases, bestsellers, steady sellers, and basic textbooks at the end of July.

This is to support residents in enjoying reading books in various formats anytime and anywhere without having to visit the library in person.

In addition, the integrated website of public libraries was reorganized to improve accessibility to e-books, and the service delivery platforms were also expanded.

Previously, services were provided through the public library website or users’ personal e-book dedicated devices, but now, at the Children and Youth Gugak Library equipped with ICT devices and the Areumkkum Library specialized in audiovisual materials, visitors can use the e-book service without a separate login procedure.

Moreover, Jongno-gu is actively promoting the e-book service by announcing new materials and introducing how to use the e-library and recommended books through its SNS channels.

To use the e-library service, users can sign up on the public library website and download and install the e-book program (YES24 Viewer) on their PC or mobile devices to start using it immediately.

Kim Young-jong, the first three-term mayor of Jongno-gu, has been dedicated to creating large and small spaces throughout the village where residents can read books since the 5th to the 7th term of the local government. The total number of public libraries established since his inauguration reaches 17.

Representative libraries include ▲ Cheongun Literature Library specialized in literature ▲ Areumkkum Library specialized in audiovisual materials ▲ Samcheong Park Forest Library specialized in ecology ▲ Woorisori Library specialized in Korean traditional music ▲ Dodam Dodam Hanok Library specialized in traditional culture ▲ Tongin Children’s Small Library specialized in English ▲ Children and Youth Gugak Library specialized in Korean studies.

Since July 16, the district has been operating all public libraries on a limited basis to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. All 17 locations allow book borrowing, returns, and reading room use, but some reading rooms with floor seating or small spaces where maintaining distance between users is difficult are not available. Also, temperature checks, mask-wearing, and hand sanitizer use are mandatory when entering the libraries.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “In today’s society, ‘Ontact,’ which adds ‘On’ meaning online external connection to ‘Untact,’ is emerging as a new trend. At this time, we have expanded e-books to provide an environment where residents, tired from ongoing social distancing, can read books without time and space constraints.” He added, “We will continue to expand e-library services for safer reading and consistently support residents so that they do not miss out on a cultural life even during these difficult times.”

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