From Reading Groups to Living Knowledge - Seven Personas Derived from 80 Real-Life Cases

Abstract

This poster presents the Lila Project (Library Laboratory Project), an experimental initiative in South Korea where citizens act as everyday researchers and small libraries function as living laboratories for community-based knowledge creation. The project responds to urgent social challenges: Korea has the highest suicide rate among OECD countries, with middle-aged adults most affected, alongside low reading and library participation and significant literacy gaps. The project examines how reading groups support individuals navigating midlife conditions such as social isolation, the prolonged burden of caregiving, and work instability. Trained by professional researchers, citizen researchers conducted interviews, journey mapping, and probe-based reflections. Based on 80 real-life cases, seven personas were directly extracted, representing diverse participation patterns - three highly engaged types and four types experiencing difficulties. Rather than producing simplified success stories, the project transforms civic research into local knowledge through documentation and concept extraction. To support practical application, seven booklets were developed, each presenting a persona's journey, actionable tips, reflective letters, and visual narratives. These materials enable libraries and individuals to adapt the model in their own contexts, demonstrating how libraries can transform lived experiences into shared and transferable knowledge.