抄録
This study analyzed the current conditions of required spaces and area composition for public libraries, whose meanings and functions shifted due to temporal changes around 2000. Library characteristics were investigated according to size and regional types. Another investigation was performed regarding the common points and differences in area composition through temporal and international comparative analysis. The changes in the required spaces for public libraries were investigated to put current categories of suitable required spaces into the analytical framework. When the area composition was subdivided by size and analyzed, a consistent tendency was found: the larger the gross floor area, the relatively smaller the data usage sector and the larger the public use sector became. The area composition varied by hierarchical roles and regional characteristics. As for differences in the area composition before and after 2000, a greater emphasis was placed on the culture and education sector centered on the lifelong education and community programs of residents since 2000. In addition, special characteristics in area composition for Korean public libraries could be found through a comparative analysis with area compositions from other countries.
