Many books in libraries at Pusan National University (PNU) are being thrown away due to the lack of storage space. The issue of saturation will be resolved with the establishment of a preservation archive in the upcoming Social Sciences Building, scheduled for completion in 2028. However, until then, the disposal of books is inevitable.

Representative Do Jong-Hwan in the Education Committee indicated that the saturation ratio (space shortage rate) at PNU libraries is reported at 173%. This ratio is calculated by comparing the actual number of books to the maximum capacity, signifying that the library accommodates 173 books in a space designed for 100. The current collection of 2,531,319 books far surpasses the library’s capacity of 1,460,761 books. Considering there is a regular influx of new publications, the saturation issue must be addressed.

Continued book disposal poses inconveniences to library users. In PNU, when the library has to discard books to deal with saturation, it establishes criteria for discarding books based on conditions such as non-uniqueness, acquisition date over a decade ago, or books borrowed fewer than once. By discarding duplicate copies and retaining unique ones, the variety of books doesn’t decrease, but the quantity of books decreases. However, recurring disposal of books may lead to delays in borrowing for library users.

The problem extends to donated materials, which now require careful sorting due to space constraints. In PNU, around 3,000 to 4,000 books a year are donated by retired professors and institutions. Through donations, the library can reduce the purchase costs and collect books efficiently. However, the lack of space prevents the acceptance of all contributions. Jeong Jae-Hun (Associate Director, Collection Management) said, “Currently, even existing materials are being discarded. So we are selectively accepting a minimum of donated materials .”

A solution to the saturation issue lies in creating more space. The library anticipates relief with the completion of the preservation archive in the Social Sciences Building, which is projected to cover approximately 2,047 ㎡ and is capable of accommodating around one million books. Son Seong-Dong (Associate Director, Information Services) said, “Once the preservation archive in the Social Sciences Building is completed, it may sustain the library for about 20 years.” Meanwhile, the library expects to move all of the 300,000 books currently in the preservation library on the 3rd floor of the Saebyeokbeol Library to the Social Sciences Building preservation library and convert the original room into a user space.

Until the completion of the preservation archive, additional book disposal remains inevitable. Recent disposals have opened up space in the Central Library and the Saebyeokbeol Library for approximately 60,000 books, which makes the library operate without discarding books for two years. However, with the Social Sciences Building renovation taking over four years, PNU is likely to grapple with the book saturation problem for at least the next two years. Director Jeong said, “Until ten years ago, the disposal of books was a nominal regulation, and I had vaguely thought about when it would be implemented, but now it seems to be something I have to worry about every year.”

This issue is not unique to PNU. A provincial member mentioned that as of 2022, among Flagship Korean National Universities, Kyungpook National University recorded a highest saturation ratio of 203%, as the actual number of books owned exceeded double the limit number of books it can possess. Even Jeonbuk National University, with the lowest saturation rate of books, had a rate of 113%, as the actual number of books owned exceeded the limit.

Reporter Cho Young-Min

Translated by Lee Soo-Hyun