Gertrude S. Koh

 Introduction

Technological advances in recent years have enabled researchers to exchange ideas from almost any location on the globe. This possibility, and the availability of remote databases, has heightened the need for information to be in machine readable form. For machine readable information to be exchanged internationally it must be formatted in accord with accepted standards. In Korea the development of such standards must be accomplished in the context of a national information policy.

Henriette D. Avram has stressed the importance of standards in organizing information for resource sharing:

A successful automated library system requires adherence to a variety of standards: library–specific standards for creating and formatting machine readable records; structures for communicating machine readable records; and, data communication standards for the transmission of information between systems [2]. Content standards are rules for the creation of records. Cataloging rules, subject analysis rules for subject headings or descriptors, and classification rules for DDC or LCC are examples. Encoding standards are used to put bibliographic and authority records into machine readable form; they are the foundation for any automated library system. MARC of various types, BISAC and SISAC for computerized ordering, interlibrary loan data elements, common command language, and ISBN are examples. Networking standards establish interfaces, for various functions, among local systems and other automated systems. A good example is the LSP (Linked System Project) and its concomitant Z39.50. Encoding standards and networking standards are referred to as technical standards. They are explicitly defined and, if carefully implemented, lead to predictable and consistent results [3]. Technical standards include format structure, character sets, and code lists standards.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the status and prospects of automation standards in Korea. At present, development of standards in Korea is uneven. A number of library and industrial organizations are promoting standardization for information exchange; their activities are discussed: Certain solutions are proposed in regard to issues of standardization for shared cataloging and databases in the context of a national network.

 History of Library Automation in Korea

Concerns about library automation in Korea emerged in the mid–1970s. The first major attempt was the Serials Control System of the Korea Scientific and Technological Information Center (KORSTIC), in 1976. In the following year, the Western Monographs Retrieval System was developed by the Korea International Economic Institute [4]. Since then broader scale projects have been pursued by several types of libraries.

National Libraries

The National Central Library, one of the national libraries in Korea, developed the KORMARC format and Korean MARC databases in the early 1980s. The other national library, the National Congress Library, began to produce the Domestic Periodicals Articles Index and the Domestic Doctoral and Master Dissertation Catalog databases in 1986. Both of these national libraries are developing total library systems, composed of subsystems to support various library functions, such as cataloging, acquisitions, circulation, and serials control. The cataloging and serials controls subsystems are now operational.

Academic Libraries

Most of the innovations in library automation among academic libraries have come from newer institutions that are not burdened by the need for retrospective conversion of manual catalogs. A typical example is the Pohang Science and Technology Institute system. The institute created a system called PLASMA, using MUMPS, in 1986. Initially, batch processing of LC MARC and KORMARC tapes was carried out. The practice was discontinued because of inefficient processing and low hit rates, and the CD–ROM version of LC MARC, provided by the BiblioFile, was contracted for use of copy cataloging of Western language materials— a first in Korea. However, there was no alternative to original cataloging for Korean publications. At the same time, BACS (Bibliographic Access and Control System) of Washington University School of Medicine was adopted for the automation of basic library operations. BACS was updated and modified, and its serial control component PHILSOM was merged with the existing PLASMA system. CD–ROM products are used for information management and services, and a CD–ROM LAN is in operation. At roughly the same time, the Korea Institute of Technology developed an in–house system called KITLAS, but they use a self–developed MARC format and do original cataloging as well.

More recently, many prestigious old universities like the Ewha Women’s University, the Inha University, and the Seoul National University have created their own systems. For instance, the locally developed integrated total system of Ewha Women’s University incorporates diverse languages — in particular Korean, Chinese, and Japanese — in its cataloging, circulation, serials, and other sub–systems. In a different vein, other libraries have adopted software packages or turnkey systems. For example, Yonsei University has an integrated total library system based on a modification of DOBIS (a turnkey system used world–wide); it has a classified catalog to accommodate the various languages in its collection. Both circulation and cataloging modules are operational, and retrospective conversion of books received since 1990 has been completed. In contrast, the Seoul National University began library automation in 1991, the largest and most ambitious program in Korea. Its system is intended to be the backbone network for resource sharing among all national academic libraries.

It has been almost 20 years since automated library systems emerged in Korea, but in spite of high interest among librarians the success stories have been few. The primary obstacles have been the uneven computer resources, absence of standards implementation, and lack of trained personnel. The National University Librarians Council reported in 1990 that there was not one national university library with a dedicated mainframe computer. The libraries have terminals connected to university mainframes, but do not enjoy priority access. Consequently no national university has a total library system in place. (There are four private university libraries with operational integrated total library systems.) However, a recent government plan for five national computer networks includes the automation of libraries as part of the education network and the research network, so the situation will be enhanced.

Special Libraries

Most library computer applications in Korea have occurred in special libraries. The Korea Atomic Energy Institute developed a technical report retrieval system, and the Korea Standard Research Institute developed a standards information retrieval system and a cataloging system using CD–ROMs. Many other libraries created retrieval or management information systems. Particularly noteworthy is the work of the Korea Institute of Industry and Technology Information (KINITI) in providing domestic and foreign databases. In 1983 the government requested KINITI to create databases that could be used by small and medium industries to access Korean technology information, in addition to foreign technology information. KINITI initiated its databases for Korean patents in 1984. It now operates 13 databases that present domestic scientific and technological information. Access is through leased lines or dial–up lines, or DACOM–NET (Korean Data Communications Company Network), a nationwide packet–switched component of the Korea Data Communication Company Network [5]. It was decided to develop these systems locally, instead of through outside contractors. While most of the basic systems are fully operational, some sub–modules related to serials control are still being tested [6]. DACOM also links users to foreign databanks such as DIALOG, and to domestic databases of such vendors as the Chunlian I, II.

Public Libraries and School Libraries

Automation in these libraries lags far behind what is found in other types of library. When the systems of the National Central Library and the National Congress Library are completed, they may stimulate automation in public libraries, which may become local nodes of nationwide information communication. And as concerns increase about the need for computer education at the primary school level, prospects for automation of school libraries will be stimulated. Both public and school libraries are handicapped by scarce resources and lack of trained personnel. The main hope for improvement is in the government plan mentioned earlier, for education and research networks.

Standards Organizations in Korea

Standards activity has not been emphasized until recently, but concerns are increasing. Several organizations are prominent.

Korea Library Association (KLA)

As the only library association in Korea that represents all types of library and professional activity, KLA’s role in standards is critical. A committee on standards has produced cataloging rules for Korean publications. KLA has contributed to the work of KORMARC through participation in the KORMARC Administration Council.

Industrial Advancement Administration (IAA)

As part of the Korea Ministry of Trade and Industry, IAA works to enhance scientific and technological progress and to further the public interest. It is engaged in research and testing, and it provides services to the government as well as to industry. IAA has created a number of Korean Standards (KS), such as KS–C–5601, the standard of the two–byte letter code for computer processing.

Korea Institute of Industry and Technology Information (KINITI)

KINITI, a government–sponsored organization, succeeded the Korea Science and Technological Information Center (KORSTIC), which had been established in 1962 for the collection and dissemination of foreign scientific information. In working toward complete automation, KINITI is engaged in many kinds of research. One project is standardization, with present attention to establishment of a national interchangeable standard code acceptable to a wide range of users; and to standardization of data creation, retrieval systems, and dissemination of networks [7].

KORMAC

The National Central Library formulated KORMARC in 1981, beginning with a format for monographs. Data input began at the library and by 1983 printed card distribution was available. The KORMARC Administration Council was organized to further efficient management. The Council influenced the revision of KORMARC to facilitate the sharing of data, and a 1984 standard format for monographs that partially adopted UNIMARC [8]. This is the domestic format for input of Korean literature, following the KORMARC description rules that are based on ISBD. The adoption of ISBD instead of the Korean cataloging rules has created a problem in respect to uniformity of bibliographic description. The structure follows ISO 2709, so it is convertible with LC MARC. ASCII is used for character representation of alphanumeric data, and 5,000 Chinese characters are represented through the converting methods of Hangul–Hanja, i.e., Korean alphabet into Chinese characters.

Although 10 years have passed since the system began distributing cards, dissemination of KORMARC output is not yet widespread in Korea. Only a small number of libraries participate in the card and tape distribution services, and the system has not been enhanced. It is rare to see a national MARC system anywhere that is as underutilized as KORMARC [9]. However, a recent survey indicated that many libraries want to adopt the KORMARC format for their cataloging standard and will do so if it is improved [10]. There is an urgency for other KORMARC formats to handle other nonbook library materials, and that address related needs in authority control, classification, holdings, etc.

There are five major problems faced by KORMARC. The first is low quality cataloging in the system, because not many librarians are able to process materials correctly. (The reasons for this are that public and national librarians are poorly paid and have inferior work conditions.) Cataloging information in KORMARC is not regarded with much confidence. The second problem is the general lack of cooperation among libraries of different types. Most of the automated libraries use their own MARC formats rather than the KORMARC format, which they find too cumbersome and complicated for easy local use. Satisfying local automation needs takes priority over the potential and less tangible benefits of information exchange among libraries. The third problem is the absence of a unique identification number for each record in KORMARC, similar to the LCCN of LC MARC, or the ISBN. There is a control number that identifies each KORMARC record, but it is not found in the Korean national bibliography and is not included on the verso of the title page of a Korean publication. Therefore it is difficult to match bibliographic information in KORMARC with local materials to be cataloged.

The fourth problem comes from the difficulty of dealing with the Korean language, for example in the consistent spacing of words. The technology used for computer processing of documents in oriental languages is still underdeveloped. Finally, the fifth problem is the low hit rate in searching. This low rate is primarily caused by the fact that KORMARC covers only a portion of current publications. For all these reasons, original cataloging is frequently more efficient that copy cataloging of KORMARC.

 Standardization in Bibliographic Data Representation

As applications of computers in library work continue to expand in Korea, the pressure to increase standardization is growing. Many obstacles remain to be overcome. The importance of having unique identification numbers like ISBN and ISSN has been recognized slowly. Japan, China, and other East Asian countries adopted ISBN and ISSN some time ago. Many Korean publishers are opposed to this idea, because of the expense involved in assigning numbers and printing them. The National Central Library, the Korea Library Association, and the Korea Publishers’ Association continued to promote the adoption of ISBN and ISSN, and agreement was reached to do so beginning in November 1991. Country number 89 was assigned to Korea.

Another obstacle is related to the binary codes representing the Korean language alphabet, Hangul. In 1977, KORSTIC, predecessor of KINITI, developed the Korean Information Processing System (KIPS), which is capable of processing scripts of many languages, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Early work on KIPS resulted in an internal computer code scheme using the Hangul Korean script and character font. When Korean documents were put into machine readable form, it was possible to transliterate them into Chinese characters (“Hanja”). A national Korean standard code was announced by the government in the early 1980s. Two binary codes are now in use: the more widespread is the “Completed Form Hangul”; the other is the “Compounded Form Hangul.” Unfortunately the two codes are not compatible without conversion software. A “Government Standard Code” combining elements of the two codes, was introduced by the Ministry of Culture in January 1993 [11]. It can output up to 11,172 of the currently used Hangul.

A third obstacle is the large number of local codes. Most library automation is still based on in–house systems. A few libraries are adopting ANSI or ISO standards, or MARC codes. In general it is difficult to understand bibliographic records from other libraries without consulting idiosyncratic documentation.

 Standardization in Bibliographic Description

Conventional tools like cataloging rules, a subject heading list, and classification schedules are foundations for usable databases. In Korea such tools are out of date. For instance, there is only one subject heading list, and it is from the 1960s. The Korea Cataloging Rules (1964; revised 1971 and 1983) [12] are considered by many librarians to be insufficient for automated cataloging, because they lack details for handling peculiarities of Korean publications. For example it is not clear how to handle the presence of a translated English title for a text with a Korean title. The rules do not explain forms of headings, and cross references, so there is lack of authority control. Consequently, many libraries are developing their own cataloging manuals by combining the Korean rules with AACR2, ISBD, and MARC manuals.

 Standardization of Transcription of Terms and Characters in Bibliographic Databases

In the absence of common rules for the description of terms and characters in bibliographic databases in Korea it is difficult to share information and to carry out online retrieval. In 1988 KINITI created its Description Rules of Terms and Characters in Databases [13]. It included a rule for the transcription of symbols and letters, but did not allow input through CRTs. The situation improved in 1988 with the issue by the Ministry of Education of additional rules for the Hangul orthography and borrowed words (exotics) [14].

 Proposed Solutions and Conclusions

Strengthening of the existing standardization process would appear to be in order if optimal efficiency in the use of bibliographic data is to be achieved. In Korea the first step should be the creation of a national policy supported by the government. Voluntary policies have only caused confusion. In Korea, centralized efforts have been historically successful. However, it can be difficult to convince the bibliographic community that certain standards need to be followed. The library profession has lacked strong leadership, but the Korean Library Association must take responsibility for promoting consensus in the standardization effort. Library schools have a particular obligation to teach their students the value of standards and the means of promoting them.

Several specific issues require resolution. Upgrading the cataloging quality and search capability of KORMARC is essential. Use of the unique identification number and its placement on the verso of title pages of Korean publications must be promoted. The technology for processing Korean language documents must be improved. Wide adoption of the Hangul binary code that was announced in January 1993 is required; it must be accepted by all users as quickly as possible. Rules for characters and terms in databases have to be better defined consistently to make information sharing with other libraries possible. Basic tools like cataloging rules have to be revised and unified.

A standards committee, established and supported by the government at the highest level possible, is urgently needed. That committee would promote standardization through research and development, through forums for the exchange of ideas, and by guiding consensus. Finally, libraries have to be encouraged to participate in information exchange based on a national network, in addition to in–house systems.

The first step for such a scenario is standardization, which will provide a gigantic leap forward to the Korean information world in enhancing the communication and interchange of information and of information resources, not only within Korea and in Pacific rim countries but also in the world community of scholarship and research.

 Acknowledgements

This paper was created with the assistance of Heeyoon Park Choi.

 References

1. Henriette D. Avram, Networks for Networkers, II: Critical Issues for Librarians in the National Network Environment (New York: Neal–Schuman, 1993), p. 6.

2. Richard W. Boss, The Library Manager’s Guide to Automation (Third ed.; Boston: G.K. Hall, 1990), p. 71.

3. Walt Crawford, Technical Standards: An Introduction for Librarians (Second ed.; Boston: G. K. Hall, 1991), p. 32.

4. Youngmee Chung, Automation of Library and Information Resources (Revised ed.; Seoul: Kumi Trade Co. Press, 1989), p. 16.

5. KIETLINE User’s Guide (Seoul: CITI, 1990), pp. 1–7.

6. Keeyoon Choi, “Development of Total Systems for Information Management in Special Libraries,” Journal of Information Management 20–2 (1989): 100–120.

7. “Series on Special Libraries and Information Centers, Domestic 1: The Center for Information and Technical Information,” Journal of Information Management 19-1 (1988):123–145.

8. National Central Library (Korea), Standard Format of KORMARC for Monographs (Seoul: The Library, 1984), pp. 3–4.

9. Kyusup Hyun, Introduction to Automated Cataloging: Focused on KORMARC (Seoul: Asia Culture Co., 1986), p. 3.

10. Sangwan Han, Junmin Chung and Taewoo Nam, “An Analytical Research on the Computerization and Information Networking System Development,” Journal of the Korea Society for Information Management 9 (1992): 107.

11. Josun Daily Newspaper, 16 January 1993.

12. Jaechul Lee, Korean Cataloging Rules (3rd ed.; Seoul: Korean Library Association, 1983).

13. Taejung Kim and Changhan Lee, “The Description Rule of Terms and Characters in Databases,” Journal of Information Management 191 (1988): 95–123.

14. Description Rules of the Borrowed Words (Seoul: Ministry of Education, 1987).

 Additional Readings

Attig, John C. “The Concept of MARC Format.” Information Technology and Libraries 2 (1983): 7–17.

Avram, Henriette D. “International Standards for the Interchange of Bibliographic Records in Machine Readable Form.” Library Resources and Technical Services 20 (1976): 25–35.

Avram, Henriette D. “Organizations Contributing to Development of Library Standards.” Library Trends 30 (Fall 1982): 197–223.

Brown, Thomas P. “Communication Standards for Online Interchange of Library Information.” Library Trends 30 (Fall 1982): 251–263.

Choi, Heeyoon. “Development of Total Systems for Information Management in Special Libraries.” Journal of Information Management 20–2 (1989): 100–120.

Crawford, Walt. “Library Standards for Data Structures and Element Identification: U.S. MARC in Theory and Practice.” Library Trends 30 (Fall 1982): 265–281.

Fussler, Herman H., and Karl Kocher. “Contemporary Issues in Bibliographic Control.” Library Quarterly 47 (1977): 237–252.

Kaplan, Denise P. “The Year’s Work in Technical Services Automation, 1989.” Library Resources and Technical Services 34 (1989): 301–312.

Markuson, Barbara Evans, and Elaine W. Woods, eds. Networks for Networkers, II: Critical Issues for Libraries in the National Network Environment. New York: Neal–Schuman, 1993.

Tannehill, Robert S., Jr., and Charles W. Husbands. “Standards and Bibliographic Data Representation.” Library Trends 30 (Fall 1982): 283–313.

Veaner, Allen B. “Technical Services Research Needs for the 1990s.” Library Resources and Technical Services 28 (1983): pp. 199–210.

 About the Author

Gertrude Soonja Lee Koh is Associate Professor, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Rosary College. Her M.L.S. and Ph.D. are from the University of Pittsburgh. She has had teaching and cataloging experience in Korea, and has also taught at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Pittsburgh. She has consulted for libraries and organizations in Korea and the U.S. Dr. Koh is a frequent presenter of workshops on cataloging and OCLC, in Korea and in the U.S., and has appeared on programs of the A.L.A., A.L.I.S.E., and A.S.I.S. Her publications have appeared in journals and as parts of books, and in the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. Her professional interests include cataloging, subject headings, classification, OCLC, and computer applications to technical services.

© 1993 Gertrude S. Koh.

Citation

Koh, Gertrude S. “Standards for Library Automation in Korea,” Third World Libraries, Volume 4, Number 1 (Fall 1993).