In this study, the background of the introduction of library science education to Korea, which was developed with the educational assistance of the USA in the 1950s, was analyzed through literature review and interview. Although the assistance was restricted to the reeducation of current teachers until 1955, the policy was changed around 1956 when the reeducation was replaced by the teacher training. As for the library, the training was performed by Peabody College Mission as a part of the assistance. Peabody College had a superior library school at that time, and that was one of the factors to be selected as the mission by the International Cooperation Administration, Department of State, USA. The foundation plan of Department of Library Science was included in Peabody Project from the beginning, reflecting the powerful movement of Korean library society around 1955. Yonsei University was chosen as an appropriate site to establish a Department of Library Science in the Peabody Project, since among universities it had distinguishing characteristics such as being a Christian University, the president having a great interest in library, the introduction of the modern library service by Mr. McRee Elrod who was a missionary and a associate librarian, and the new construction of a model library etc.

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The purpose of this study is to investigate whether public library use increases during economic hard time. Library use is approached through the study of book circulation per capita. Economic conditions are studied through attention to two variables: ratio of effective labor demand to effective supply and inflation rate. Panel data set is used for regression analysis, which consists of series of aggregates observed yearly for the prefectures. Findings suggest that regression analysis shows significant relationship between library use and the economy. An interpretation of the data indicates a negative relationship between book circulation per capita and ratio of effective labor demand to effective supply but positive relationship between book circulation per capita and one year lagged inflation rate.

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