| The purposes of this study were to investigate the current status of university libraries in Korea and to suggest a model and a workable set of guidelines for use in the development of a computerized network of Korean university libraries.;Six major research questions were posed and questionnaires were sent to the directors of the forty-two Korean university libraries; additionally, automation experts from each of the seven partially automated library/information centers were interviewed by the researcher. A ninety per cent questionnaire response revealed that no library has a dedicated computer of its own, and only a few share other computers within their institutions. Although a number of hindrances to the development of a network of university libraries were identified and described, the majority of respondents and interviewees expressed a high level of agreement regarding the need for such a network and the functions which it could perform, if established.;The model proposed by the researcher to facilitate the development of a network is described as a modification and expansion of two well known types--the "star" and the "mesh" (STAR/MESH)--with appropriate adaptations for the Korean environment and political system. The guidelines include a rationale for the model and a time-phased approach to implementation of what would be, essentially, a quasi-governmental network.;The design of the study utilized the descriptive research method in which an intensive search of the relevant and comparative literature was made to learn of similar studies performed elsewhere and to provide insight for the development of a questionnaire instrument and a structured interview guide. |
