Kim Seung-cheol, Team Leader of the Academic Information Team at Kookmin University’s (President Jeong Seung Ryul) Seonggok Library, has been selected as the recipient of the “2026 Lee Byeong-mok Distinguished Librarian Award,” presented by the Korean Library Association. The award ceremony took place during the opening ceremony of the “63rd National Library Conference and Exhibition,” held on Wednesday, October 28, at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju.
 
The Lee Byung-mok Librarian Award honors librarians who have contributed to the development of libraries and to enhancing the professionalism and status of the librarian profession. The Korean Library Association selects and honors librarians who have contributed to library development based on their professionalism and sense of mission in the field.
 
Kim Seung-cheol, Team Leader at Kookmin University’s Seonggok Library, was selected as the recipient in recognition of his contributions to digital innovation in university libraries and the advancement of library policy. In particular, he was highly commended for his efforts in establishing a library system based on computerized data, thereby presenting a model for digital innovation in university libraries, as well as for his active participation in organizations such as the Korean Association of Private University Libraries and the Korean Library Association, where he contributed to enhancing librarians’ rights and strengthening their professionalism. Furthermore, through professional analysis and consultation on university library statistics, he has contributed to the development of national academic research policies and university library policies. The Korean Library Association stated that these activities have contributed to the advancement of libraries and the elevation of the status of librarians, and that he has set an exemplary standard as a dedicated librarian.
 
Team Leader Kim Seung-cheol is dedicated to the operation of university libraries and the advancement of academic information services. He has served as Chair of the Planning and Policy Subcommittee of the Korean Association of Private University Libraries and as Director of the Legal and Regulatory Research Project Team at the Korean Library Federation. Currently, he serves as a member of the Planning and Policy Committee of the Korean Library Association, as well as a member of the University Library Statistics Verification Committee and an advisory committee member for survey guidelines at the Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS). In 2022, he also received the individual award at the “54th Korean Library Awards,” presented by the Korean Library Association, in recognition of his contributions to improving the library environment and conducting research on the analysis of university library statistics.
  
Team Leader Kim Seung-cheol stated, “This award is a meaningful honor that I wish to share with my colleagues who have worked together for the development of university libraries, as it goes beyond my individual achievements.” He added, “I will continue to do my best to strengthen the role and expertise of university libraries in step with the rapidly changing information environment and to contribute to the development of user-centered academic information services.”