Comparison of Slovenian and Korean library laws

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive report of the results of a comparative study of Slovenian and Korean library law. Although the countries of Slovenia and Korea have entirely different historical backgrounds, the library laws of both countries are of a comprehensive nature. Despite this, there are many differences between them. This study aims to clarify the differences between the library legislation of Slovenia and Korea and indicates the origins of these differences. The library laws of Slovenia and Korea share a common comprehensive nature and in both countries, library policy is administered by the Ministry charged with culture. Nonetheless, significant differences may be observed in their chapter structures, description methods, composition, as well as the characteristics of the shared national bibliographic system, etc. Additional findings indicate that as a small country surrounded by larger states, Slovenia has historically been more prone to accepting different cultures and can interact with them easily. On the other hand, by not embracing multiple cultures within its system of library law, Korea still fails to provide social and cultural security to ethnic minorities and migrants. This paper represents not only a juxtaposed comparison of Slovenian and Korean library laws, but also provides a detailed cross comparison, considering all of the similarities and differences that may be understood through this process. This study clarifies how each country’s social systems and the environment surrounding library affected the enactments of currently applicable library legislation.