Factors Influencing the Career Paths of Public Library Directors in Korea

This study focuses on Chief Librarians in public libraries in Korea, analyzing the career paths used to become a Chief Librarian and the factors that contribute to becoming the head of a library. A survey of these librarians found that organizational culture was the major factor determining career movement, followed by compensation, working conditions, job security, personal aptitude, working environment, growth potential and knowledge or skills in the field. This study also investigated the perception of the Chief Librarians on what it takes to become the Chief Librarian of a public library. Their responses indicate that a sense of responsibility, leadership, active commitment, and communication skills are the most important credentials of Chief Librarians and that educational background was the least important.