{"id":19600,"date":"2021-03-12T16:53:28","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T16:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bibliotheca.wpengine.com\/ulsan-metropolitan-city-library\/"},"modified":"2025-04-28T21:25:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T21:25:01","slug":"customer-story-ulsan-metropolitan-city-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/customer-story-ulsan-metropolitan-city-library\/","title":{"rendered":"In Ulsan, a Library Transforms an Overlooked Space Into a Thriving Cultural Hub"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLibrary Stories<\/a>Blog<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Ulsan, a Library Transforms an Overlooked Space Into a Thriving Cultural Hub\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In order to act as the model for Korea\u2019s modern libraries, Ulsan Metropolitan Library needed to use the best technology to provide the ideal library experience to its patrons. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The library implemented an integrated suite of Bibliotheca solutions including self-checkout, security gates, holds pick-up lockers, and an automated materials handling solution designed to increase convenience and streamline workflow. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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With the help of stellar technology, the library managed 100,000 loans in its first month, and welcomed 7,000 visitors a day in its first year. It now acts as a cultural hotspot in what was once an overlooked area.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Using RFID to support library staff and provide exceptional service<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ulsan Library opened in April 2018 in Ulsan City, South Korea, as the city\u2019s main library branch. Ulsan City, located in the south-eastern part of the country, is one of South Korea\u2019s seven major metropolitan cities and home to roughly 1.2 million residents. Ulsan City boasts outstanding natural scenery and a stable local economy. It is home to the headquarters of the largest automotive manufacturing facility in the world, as well as a thriving shipbuilding industry.<\/p>\n

Transforming an abandoned space into a centre of culture and education<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the end of April 2018, The Ulsan Library reopened in the previously abandoned Yeocheon sanitation facility site. The first basement level and third floor were completely renovated to house the largest main library in the country. The new plan includes an Auditorium, which comfortably seats 300 people and now regularly conducts film screenings, concerts, and other humanities events, as well as a variety of educational courses for users of all ages. In 2019, 130,000 users visited the Ulsan Library every month, and it welcomed approximately 7,000 users a day.<\/p>\n

Once an overlooked area, the neighbourhood has been transformed into a gathering place for the residents of Ulsan, providing space for cultural appreciation and learning. In its first four months, the new library boasted a circulation of 100,000 monthly loans. Every week, the library hosts both large and small cultural performances as well as movie screenings. Ulsan residents visit the area to take in cultural performances as well as visit the library to borrow materials. The library hosts various educational courses and reading programmes that cater to public groups and humanities programmes and has truly become the pride of the community and a multi-cultural space for the residents of Ulsan.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Using RFID<\/a> technology to provide stellar service and to free staff time for cultural programmes in Korea\u2019s leading library<\/b><\/p>\n

To meet its mission as a place of intercultural exchange, Ulsan Library knew it was imperative that they find the most efficient way to sort and re-shelve materials. From the beginning, the library decided to implement RFID library technology, self-checkout, and automated return and sorting technology. Impressed with Bibliotheca\u2019s modern, sleek and intuitive solutions, as well as their maintenance service packages, the library installed a full suite of Bibliotheca products: selfCheck kiosks<\/a>, security detection gates<\/a>, remoteLockers<\/a>, and a flexAMH<\/a>. The world-class solutions and RFID technology have inspired confidence in the modern self-service service model and allowed Ulsan Library to become the benchmark for libraries in the region.<\/p>\n

Library services extend access to all citizens regardless of physical ability<\/b><\/p>\n

The Ulsan Library is a large space that is highly utilised by all visitors. It was very important that all users, regardless of physical ability, be able to access the library and easily use all self-service solutions.<\/p>\n

According to the RFID System Manager at the Ulsan Library Information Department, Bibliotheca\u2019s solutions<\/a> make it easy to provide equitable access to all users. All selfChecks use the same sleek interface powered by the intuitive quickConnect<\/a> software. The system was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of all library users. The height can be adjusted to provide wheelchair access, and the touchscreen is easy enough even for children to use.<\/p>\n

Ulsan also installed Bibliotheca\u2019s RFID premium security gates<\/a>, which offer twice the passage width of standard library security gates. The wide passage easily accommodates large groups, wheelchairs, and wide pushchairs. The gates meet the standards of Korea\u2019s Disability Discrimination Act while blending beautifully with the library\u2019s aesthetic, both of which were key selling points for Ulsan.<\/p>\n

Role as local representative library<\/b><\/p>\n

Ulsan Library is the representative library for the region. In addition to managing and maintaining rare and special materials in the region, it is essential that Ulsan librarians have time to interact with visitors and help them locate and borrow any materials they may need. In order to minimise the time required for simple, repetitive lending \/ returning operations, it is essential the library has an easy-to-use self-service and return sorting system.<\/p>\n

Ulsan has been particularly pleased with the flexAMH, Bibliotheca\u2019s return and sorting solution. In addition to saving time for library staff, the flexAMH is fun to watch in action. The library installed it in a location that allows users to see their materials travel along the conveyor belt and be sorted into the correct bins. Additionally, the flexAMH is modular and can be expanded as the library\u2019s needs grow.<\/p>\n

The new Ulsan Library is already successful. As time goes on, it hopes to act as an example of using technology to increase staff efficiency and provide superior service even in Korea\u2019s smaller libraries.<\/p>\n

Covid-19 Update: Using technology to provide access during lockdown<\/b><\/p>\n

Like most libraries worldwide, Ulsan Library was closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, using remoteLocker, the library began offering pick-up of reserved materials in the 24\/7 lobby within just two weeks. The library saw a 400% increase in use of the remoteLocker holds pick-up solution during the crisis and a dramatic increase in the number of children\u2019s books being lent through the service. Not only was the remoteLocker a boon to parents (and their children) during a difficult time, it also became the focus of a young blogger\u2019s post, as he detailed how easy it was to use the locker and how grateful he was that the library was still available when the rest of the world seemed shut down.<\/p>\n

Ulsan went on to offer drive through service before eventually opening the library to limited indoor use with safety precautions, including encouraging self-service through the selfChecks in place.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the necessity of non face-to-face emerged more than ever during Covid-19, the remoteLocker was really helpful during an emergency. In addition, automated holds pick-up and returns machines that can be used at any time of day is now an essential part of the library experience.\u201d – Jeongnam Seo, Ulsan Library Director<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\u201cAs the necessity of non face-to-face emerged more than ever during Covid-19, the remoteLocker was really helpful during an emergency. In addition, automated holds pick-up and returns machines that can be used at any time of day is now an essential part of the library experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJeongnam Seo<\/span>Ulsan Library Director<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\u201cThe backend of quickConnect is amazing. We are absolutely in awe of how easy it is to customise the selfChecks. Whether we\u2019re changing patron promotions or customising language options, it\u2019s so simple. It has nice big buttons, and it\u2019s very attractive....\"<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChris Warren<\/span> Library Director, Auburn Public Library, Alabama, USA<\/span><\/cite>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Insights + Trends<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Using Bibliotheca solutions to offer stellar service and become a model for the region<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":9079,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[310,198],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19600","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-library-stories","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19600","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19600"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19600\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19600"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19600"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19600"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}