Abstract:

[Purpose/Significance] Seoul Outdoor Library has not only gained recognition from Seoul citizens, but has also received awards from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) for two consecutive years. Since its opening, it has served 8 million users, with a user satisfaction rate of 96.6%. Moreover, it attracts the attention of the library industry both domestically and internationally. Based on this, this paper extracts replicable and scalable practical experiences and insights from the successful case of Seoul outdoor library. Its research significance lies in both addressing the dilemma of "practice taking precedence over theory" in outdoor libraries, filling the academic research gap in this field, and providing practical guidance for the long-term, high-quality development of outdoor libraries in China. [Method/Process] The research conclusions drawn from single case study methods often possess greater enlightenment and relevance to reality. Based on this, the paper analyzes the basic situation of Seoul Outdoor Library through a single case study method. Moreover, the paper adopts the "triangulation verification" multi-source data collection method to enhance the validity and reliability of the research. We found that the main service contents include book reading services, space services, art literacy education, tourism information services, and policy display and promotion services. In addition, Seoul Outdoor Library exhibits green integration and sustainability in its design, flexibility and decentralization in spatial characteristics, openness and flexibility in scene characteristics, and emphasizes interaction and human-centered service. The innovative value of Seoul Outdoor Library is reflected in the coexistence of low-cost space supply and high satisfaction, deepening the connection between libraries and public affairs, and the organic integration of social and economic benefits. [Results/Conclusions] The paper holds that the development of outdoor libraries in China should start with several aspects. Firstly, outdoor libraries should be based on observation to promote the "rediscovery of libraries" initiative. For example, outdoor libraries rediscover the new value of space, the new role of librarians, and the new connotation of resources. Secondly, outdoor libraries should be endowed with values and infused with soul, making full use of local resources to endow them with spiritual cores. Thirdly, outdoor libraries should shape their output, and optimize scene construction. Finally, outdoor libraries should nourish the heart through implementation, deeply cultivate emotional experiences, and allow users to feel a sense of belonging through humanistic details. Of course, the paper inevitably has limitations. Future research will expand case samples to gain a more comprehensive understanding of outdoor libraries and facilitate their high-quality development in China.

Key words: outdoor library, single case study method, sustainable and high-quality development, public cultural services