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Survey of Users of Korean Materials:
The Australia-Korea Research and Information Profile

Report of the Korean Working Group
May 1998


5. Conclusions

The entire survey, including questionnaire and interviews, concentrated on establishing and verifying the needs of existing users and establishing usage among potential or assumed library users. Academics made up the majority of existing users, while the business community and non-tertiary sectors were surveyed to determine the extent of their usage, or whether they might be potential users.

Among the latter category, library usage is relatively low, while among the academic community, libraries complement other modes of data collection. Other surveys over a period of time would be needed to determine whether library usage is increasing, declining or remaining static among this group.

Among the non-academic community, awareness of collections is low. However, responses suggested that there might be a market for libraries to provide services to this group. Further research would be needed to establish the type of services which could be provided, pricing policies and the potential return to libraries.

Use of the internet and on-line services is clearly increasing, although use of the CJK system is still very low, due in large part to lack of awareness of the system. Access to appropriate technology does not appear to be a limiting factor in low use of the CJK system. Access to electronic information is increasing in importance but there is no suggestion that it should replace paper-based information.

While the dollar cost to users was often cited as the reason for not utilising some library services, factors such as timeliness also affected users’ decisions to use alternate means to fulfil information needs. Timeliness related both to the length of time it took to obtain information from library sources, as well as the currency of information obtained.

Many users indicated that there were significant gaps in collections in their fields of interest. A general perception or recognition among users was that collections may cover a broad range of subject matter, but that personal collections were necessary to gain the depth that individual users sought. However, responses indicated that materials about North Korea (politics, economics, arts and culture, social sciences, etc) in particular were seriously lacking and that not only libraries, but individuals might face difficulties obtaining such material.

Awareness of collections around Australia appeared to be generally low outside the immediate area of users’ “home” libraries. This was not unexpected, however, where collections are rationalised across the country or even within cities, this lack of awareness works to the detriment of both libraries and users.

Predicted trends suggest that Australians will increasingly seek information about Korea, its politics, economics, society and cultural activities. It is also expected that increasing numbers of Koreans may study in Australia or immigrate.

The conclusions drawn were that:

  • awareness of the extent of collections around Australia is relatively low, particularly among non-academic users;
  • use of online services is clearly increasing, but knowledge – and use – of the CJK system is low;
  • rationalisation of collections, together with lack of awareness of other collections, may be a factor in lower levels of satisfaction with library services and collections;
  • timeliness of information, both in the provision of information and the currency of information collected was an issue, in particular the lack of newspapers and current periodicals;
  • there is a need for materials about and from North Korea in all subject areas;
  • gaps in collections in areas other than North Korea related more to a perceived lack of depth in collections rather than a lack of subject matter; and
  • further research is needed to determine the viability of offering or extending paid for services.

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Last updated 10 December 1998
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