[Walking Through Seoul] New Challenges for Public Libraries in the Age of AI

Study Rooms During Periods of Economic and Population Growth
Shifting Functions Amid Changes in Daily Life and School-Age Population
Expansion into Open Cultural Hubs
Irreplaceable Value of Paper Books in the Age of AI
New Challenges Ahead for Seoul's Successful Library Model

A few days ago, I noticed a sign at the entrance of a public library announcing that cold water was being provided for free. The program was said to be a collaboration between the Rhode Island state government, public library institutions, and local businesses. I could truly sense how public libraries had become more deeply integrated into residents' daily lives. I suddenly wondered how things might be in Seoul.

In the early 2010s, when I lived in Seoul as a university professor, I frequently used the university library or the Jongno Library near my home. If I needed special materials, I would visit the National Library of Korea or the National Assembly Library. Around the mid-2010s, many new libraries began appearing throughout Seoul. Out of curiosity, I made a point to visit some of these unique spaces, such as Geulmaru Hanok Children's Library and Cheongun Literature Library, both housed in traditional hanok buildings. I also visited Seoul Library, which occupies the former Seoul City Hall building, and the Eunpyeong Gusan-dong Library Village, which utilizes several residential houses.

Looking back, the 2010s can be seen as the era that shaped the global image of Seoul as we know it today. In the early 2000s, Seoul was already well-known thanks to the Korean Wave, but the K-pop boom of the 2010s was on an entirely different scale. With the spread of social networking services, images and information about Seoul could be shared worldwide with a single click, leading to a rapid diversification of consumption patterns.

Seoul suddenly emerged, alongside Tokyo, as the most culturally influential city in Asia, and it continues to hold that status today. At first glance, it may seem that the younger generation, who consume popular culture such as K-pop and the urban space of Seoul itself, are the main drivers of this change. However, a closer look reveals that the driving forces behind this transformation are far more complex.

Namsan Library exterior. Photo by Dongjoo Yoon

Historically, the so-called 586 generation?those who received the most university education?gained the leisure to enjoy cultural activities, which led to increased demand for hobbies. At the same time, the children raised by this generation grew up and began to create new cultural trends. For previous generations, survival in the city was the top priority, but this generation began to see the city as a stage to express and refine their personal tastes.

This shift also influenced perceptions of libraries. Following the rapid economic growth and urbanization of the 1960s, Seoul's population soared, and for students from a generation that pursued social success through education, public libraries were essentially study rooms. Many people, unable to secure personal space due to small homes and large families, turned to libraries. As a result, libraries were strongly associated with the image of students studying in a quiet, almost stifling atmosphere, where even breathing too loudly was frowned upon.

By the 1990s, Seoul's population growth had plateaued, and democratization and economic development had propelled Korea into the ranks of advanced nations. Although the country experienced the shock of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis, living standards continued to improve in the 2000s, allowing students to study in their own rooms or at private academies. Around 2010, the number of 18-year-olds began to decline. Changes in lifestyle and demographic structure had a significant impact on how public libraries were perceived.

In addition, another important change was underway. Not only the younger generation but also the 586 generation increasingly began to view the city as a stage for their activities, which fundamentally altered expectations for public spaces. As urban regeneration projects flourished in the 2010s, interest in and demand for usable public spaces grew. With the diversification of urban activities, there was a growing need for venues to host hobby and cultural gatherings, lectures, and talks. While small events could be held in modest venues, larger gatherings required spacious facilities like public libraries. As a result, libraries?which had seemed to fade from public attention in Korea after the country rose to prominence as an "Internet powerhouse" in the late 1990s?took on new roles.

From that point, a variety of new public libraries began to open throughout the 2010s. Some were established in residential neighborhoods for the convenience of local residents. Libraries like the Forest Library in Baebongsan Neighborhood Park, which opened in 2019, built particularly strong ties with their communities. Older libraries, such as the Geumcheon-gu Doksan Library (opened in 1999) and Dongjak Library (opened in 1991), have recently been reborn with stylish renovations. Many older libraries have been remodeled into open, inviting spaces.

For several years after 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced libraries to close their doors, resulting in fewer visitors. However, as the situation stabilized, public interest in libraries remained high. This summer, the participatory program "Libraries Are Cool," jointly organized by 190 public libraries across Seoul, is a reflection of this sustained interest.

What lies ahead? In the 2000s, with the rapid rise of the internet and e-books, some predicted that public libraries would soon become obsolete, not only in Korea but also in many advanced countries. Yet the reality today is quite different. Libraries have actively responded to social needs and embraced change. While they continue to lend books and provide study spaces, libraries have increased their e-book offerings and transformed into venues for a wide range of hobby and cultural programs. The cultural role of libraries has only grown, and users' expectations are higher than ever.

The emergence and spread of artificial intelligence will have a major impact on the production and consumption of information. It is difficult to predict what will happen to the paper books lining library shelves. Today, it is possible to graduate from university without reading a single paper book, leading some to question the value of their existence. However, many people still believe that only paper books are "real" books, and because paper books are almost impossible to alter, they remain an irreplaceable record?immune to the influence of artificial intelligence. This unique advantage cannot be overlooked. In that sense, the value of public libraries that allow people to freely and gratuitously access paper books may shine even brighter in the future.

As cultural hubs, Seoul's public libraries have presented a model that has attracted global attention. As AI continues to advance, this model will face new challenges. How will Seoul's libraries respond to these challenges? What ripple effects might they have on other cities around the world? I am certain I am not the only one who is both curious and filled with high expectations.

Robert Fouser, former professor at Seoul National University