Korean academic libraries are facing serious space shortage problems due to an inability to accommodate for the rapidly increasing number of printed materials. Despite the current situation, Korean academic libraries have largely focused on impractical applications of the new library paradigm, using technology or management programs to improve the quality of research and learning environments of the university. However, such improvements would be fruitless without first resolving the space shortage crisis. In order to make realistic improvements to the quality of academic libraries, this study used questionnaires to employ the opinions of librarians currently practicing at such Korean libraries. Survey questionnaires about types and causes of space shortage problems, library facility expansion plans, expected effects of expansion, frequency of and reasons for furniture relocation, and tight spaces needing improvement were distributed to selected 4-year college librarians through Google Drive. Analysis of survey responses indicated that library space shortage was largely responsible for the hindrance of research and learning environments. Furthermore, it reflected the urgency to secure book storage space.