The Relationship between Spatial Inequality of Public Libraries and Local Extinction in South Korea

This study investigates the relationship between public library accessibility and local extinction risk in South Korea. Using data from 229 municipalities from the years 2013, 2018, and 2023, the study analyzed the number of public libraries, service coverage, and accessibility. Spatial analysis was conducted using QGIS, and correlation analysis was conducted using SPSS. Results show a general improvement in accessibility, yet areas at higher extinction risk remain underserved. A statistically significant correlation between the extinction risk index and library accessibility was observed across all years, suggesting an increasing degree of spatial inequality. Despite national efforts to expand infrastructure, vulnerable regions continue to face limited access. As public libraries are essential for digital literacy and social inclusion, especially in the AI era, spatially equitable policy interventions are needed to reduce information inequality and support regions at risk of local extinction.