• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.277-307
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• 2021

This study aims to understand the current status of science-related channels on YouTube provided by government-funded research institutes and investigate user experiences and behaviors of using the services. We examined the number of subscribers, view counts, and video contents of 26 YouTube channels from the government-funded research institutes. We also designed a user study with the uses and gratifications theory and conducted a semi-structured interview. By grouping videos into five categories: Public Relations, Lectures, Entertainment, Vlogs, and Q&A, most videos were about research projects or institutional promotions. User motivation for using the YouTube channel was to acquire scientific knowledge and information. Users thought that YouTube channels could provide reliable information and satisfy their intellectual curiosity. But they criticized that most videos were uninteresting, and the lack of promotions of the channels made others hesitant to sign up and watch. Findings from this study could help fully understand the current status of the government-funded research institute's YouTube channel and be used as resources for the government's planning and development of various YouTube services.