Objective : The objective of this study was to survey the current state of convenience facilities at public
libraries located in the five wards of Daegu Metropolitan City according to standards stipulated
in the Convenience Promotion Act for the disabled, the aged, the pregnant, etc., and based on
the results, to suggest improvement plans in order for the aged and the disabled to be able to
access and use public libraries more easily.
Method : For this study, surveyors who had preliminary education on the Convenience Promotion Act
visited public libraries located in the five wards of Daegu Metropolitan City twice in June
2008 and February 2009, and investigated the current state of convenience facilities (access facilities,
indoor facilities, hygiene facilities and guidance facilities) stipulated in the Convenience
Promotion Act.
Result : Most of convenience facilities at the public libraries were installed adequately according to legally
required standards. At some libraries, however, the main entrance did not have a safe
pedestrian passage, which is an access facility, or had an inadequate one. As to parking areas
for the disabled, most of the libraries failed to meet legal requirements in terms of the location,
number and size of parking lots. Among indoor facilities, some of staircases did not have
properly installed point‐type blocks at the beginning and ending parts. Among hygiene facilities,
many of toilet bowls and urinals did not meet the installation standards. As to guidance
facilities, guide, alarm and evacuation facilities were installed in most of the libraries.
Conclusion : Based on the results of this study on convenience facilities at public libraries, facilities that
need to be improved should be remodeled for higher convenience and accessibility. It is necessary
to minimize the length of the flow line to the main entrance, to automate the main entrance,
and to improve restrooms, guidance facilities, etc. As presented above, public convenience
facilities should be improved not just for ordinary users but in consideration of convenience,
accessibility, safety and functionality for all age groups as well as the disabled and
the aged.