Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the model of cluster analysis techniques for grouping public libraries and analyze their characteristics. Statistical data of public libraries of the National Library Statistics System were used, and three models of cluster analysis were applied. As a result of the study, cluster analysis was conducted based on the size of public libraries, and it was largely divided into two clusters. The size of the cluster was largely skewed to one side. For grouping based on size, the ward method of hierarchical cluster analysis and the k-means cluster analysis model were suitable. Three suggestions were presented as implications of the grouping method of public libraries. First, it is necessary to collect library service-related data in addition to statistical data. Second, an analysis model suitable for the data set to be analyzed must be applied. Third, it is necessary to study the possibility of using cluster analysis techniques in various fields other than library grouping.