‘University Student Reading Volunteer Group’ Launched … Silla University Department of Library and Information Science to Promote Local Reading Culture

After the inauguration ceremony of the 'University Student Reading Volunteer Group,' the members are taking a group commemorative photo.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Silla University has launched a volunteer group to support students aspiring to become librarians and to promote reading culture in the local community.

The Department of Library and Information Science at Silla University held the inauguration ceremony for the "University Student Reading Volunteer Group" at 10 a.m. on the 24th at Myeongjang Library in Dongnae-gu, Busan.

The "University Student Reading Volunteer Group" is a talent donation volunteer group consisting of 13 students from the Department of Library and Information Science at Silla University, aimed at realizing social values where the community and university coexist and creating a culture of communication with citizens through reading.

From the 24th until December, the volunteer group will conduct reading volunteer activities for infants and elementary school students living in the Busan area at Myeongjang Library and nearby elementary schools.

Each team will consist of one Silla University student mentor and one or two child mentees, operating various programs such as reading aloud, post-reading activities, organizing materials, book play, and summer vacation reading camp to enhance satisfaction.

Considering age and interests, the faculty and students of the Department of Library and Information Science will carefully select a list of quality books to be provided to affiliated public libraries and local elementary schools.

Park Ga-won, a third-year student in the Department of Library and Information Science, said, "I joined with the hope that children can communicate with society and gain learning opportunities through books," adding, "I hope this activity will help children enjoy reading and become familiar with books."

Cha Seong-jong, head of the Department of Library and Information Science, stated, "Through various mutual collaborations with the local community, Silla University will promote diverse reading culture volunteer activities to serve as a hub for reading, education, and culture in the Busan area."

The Department of Library and Information Science at Silla University was the first department majoring in library and information science established among universities in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) region.

Based on over 40 years of long history and tradition, the department has trained librarians and librarian teachers working in various libraries, information centers, and elementary, middle, and high schools.

In the 2021 academic year, the department produced 10 successful candidates in the elementary and secondary librarian teacher certification exam, ranking first in the number of successful candidates in the Bu-Ul-Gyeong region.