Major National University Students' Book Loans Nearly Halved in Four Years

Last Year, 10 Hub Universities Averaged 3.25 Books Per Person
Down from 6.35 Books in 2017 to 3.25 Last Year

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[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Last year, the average number of books borrowed per student at regional flagship national universities decreased by nearly half compared to four years ago.

According to data on the average number of books borrowed per student submitted by 10 regional flagship national universities nationwide to National Assembly Education Committee member Min Hyung-bae on the 25th, the average number of paper books borrowed per student last year was 3.25. This is a decrease of 3.1 books compared to 6.35 books in 2017.

The number of books borrowed by national university students has been steadily declining: 6.35 books in 2017, 5.76 in 2018, 5.41 in 2019, 3.36 in 2020, and 3.25 last year.

The university with the highest decrease rate in average books borrowed per student compared to 2017 was Chungbuk National University, dropping from 5.4 books to 1.8 books, a 66.7% decrease. Chungnam National University (64.8%) and Pusan National University (57.1%) also showed high decrease rates.

Seoul National University saw the average number of books borrowed per student drop from 12.3 books in 2017 to 6.32 books last year, a 48.6% decrease.

This is attributed to reduced school visits due to COVID-19 and an increase in students’ use of e-books.

Additionally, the shift to remote classes is cited as a cause. As of August this year, when face-to-face classes resumed, the number of books borrowed slightly increased to 3 books at Chungbuk National University, 2.5 books at Chungnam National University, and 2 books at Pusan National University.

The reasons for the decline in book borrowing among university students are essentially complex. The Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS) analyzed in its survey report that "as e-book content diversifies, the usage rate of e-books is increasing," and "many students prefer various media that allow them to obtain information faster than books."

Assembly member Min Hyung-bae stated, "Even with the impact of remote classes, the reading volume of enrolled students seems to be decreasing," and added, "It is necessary to build a reading environment utilizing e-books and other digital media to reflect the changing reading patterns of university students who are familiar with digital media."

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