Gwangju Nam-gu, Cultural Information Library Blocks 'Seat Privatization'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Nam-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, will fully implement a same-day seat reservation system in the reading room of the Cultural Information Library starting from March to prevent seat privatization.

This is because many inconsiderate users leave their seats for long periods while piling up personal belongings such as bags and books, thinking "I am the only one using this seat."

According to Nam-gu on the 20th, the Cultural Information Library located in Bongseon-dong Cultural Center recently installed a seat reservation system in the reading room to provide convenience to library users and to establish library etiquette that encourages mutual consideration among users.

The system aims to prevent users from occupying seats for long hours during busy periods such as exam seasons by simply reserving seats, and to assist users by allowing real-time checking of available seats.

Currently, a touchscreen kiosk for seat reservations is installed at the entrance of the Cultural Information Library reading room.

The seat reservation system will be applied starting March 2.

Seat reservations can only be made for the same day, and the basic usage time for a reserved seat is 4 hours, which can be extended up to three times on the same day.

To use the seat reservation system, a library membership card is required, and to extend the time, an extension request must be made at least one hour before the expiration.

A representative of the Cultural Information Library stated, “We expect that operating the seat reservation system will solve the problem of seat privatization and also prevent theft and loss of belongings. We will continue to do our best to improve the reading room environment so that users can conveniently use the library.”

Meanwhile, the Cultural Information Library is located in an area with large apartment complexes and many schools, attracting many residents. Due to its accessibility, about 44,000 people used the reading room last year alone.

The library reading room is open from Monday to Sunday except on holidays, operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer season from March to October, and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the winter season.