Nowon-gu Library Changes in Progress...

Expansion of Loan Limits, Conversion of Reserved Books to Interlibrary Loan, Implementation of Return Service for Books from Other Libraries... Smart Library Establishes Future-Oriented Library System through Unmanned Reservation Loan Service... Integrated Library Management System Established, Website Completely Revamped with Responsive Web Technology

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it has significantly improved the public library system to make it easier and more convenient for all residents to access books.

Under the slogan "Unfolding the Mind, Reading Life," selected through a public contest last year, the district established the "10-Minute Walk, Our Neighborhood Library" initiative to create "Nowon, a City of Reading Culture."

To this end, marking 20 years of public libraries in the district, Nowon-gu reviewed its library infrastructure and service system to meet residents' expectations and lead the reading culture by establishing the "Nowon-style Library" model.

The main improvements include ▲ converting reserved books to interlibrary loan service and enabling book returns at any library regardless of where the book was borrowed (interlibrary book return) ▲ installing new smart libraries and unmanned reservation lending machines at high foot traffic locations such as subway stations and parks ▲ and a complete overhaul of the website with responsive web technology to enhance user convenience.

The most noticeable change is the greatly improved convenience in the book borrowing and returning process. In addition to the existing interlibrary book delivery service, residents can now receive reserved books through interlibrary loan, and book returns can be made at any library. The previous inconvenience of having to return books only to the library where they were borrowed has been eliminated, allowing returns at any public or small library in Nowon-gu.

The "Smart Library," which is not restricted by library operating hours, is a future-oriented library service that combines autonomous book lending with artificial intelligence features. It is an unmanned device supporting 24-hour, non-face-to-face book lending and returning services for residents who find it difficult to visit libraries during working hours. New installations have been made at Nowon Station and Hagye Station, both locations with high foot traffic.

The smart libraries at Nowon Station and Hagye Station, which opened in August and November 2023 respectively, have seen about 3,000 uses by December 2023, significantly increasing residents' access to library services along with the reservation lending machines. Books not held in the smart library can be obtained using the co-installed "Unmanned Reservation Book Lending and Returning Machine."

Considering residents' accessibility and demand, the unmanned reservation book lending and returning machine was first installed at Sanggye Jugong 4 Complex One-Ter Eoulmaru and began service in November 2023. Operation is scheduled to start in March at Junggye-dong Jungpyeong Children's Park.

Additionally, the district completely revamped the library website, the first point of contact for residents using the library, to improve its functionality.

First, easy access to the website was enabled through simple login functions using Naver and Kakao accounts. The number of borrowable materials was expanded to 7 per library and 20 in total, family proxy borrowing was eased using family membership cards, and users are automatically registered as full members upon signing up on the website, all enhancing user convenience.

Moreover, an AI book recommendation system for users, an easy-to-view reading culture program, and integration of major Nowon-gu office news and recruitment information with the library website provide users with abundant information.

These changes to the library system did not happen overnight. Starting with the establishment of the Nowon-gu Library Mid- to Long-Term Development Comprehensive Plan in 2021, the district has comprehensively reviewed the process of bringing library services closer to residents and transforming into a future-oriented library. This is the result of continuous discussions among related experts and active collection of user feedback, making it even more meaningful.

The district expects that through this library system overhaul, residents will be able to access books "faster, more, and closer" than ever before.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "In creating Nowon as a city of reading culture, the role of libraries as a place where the power of books and the potential of residents who read books meet is important," adding, "We will continue to review and improve to ensure residents can access as many books as they want without any shortcomings."

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