Abstract
Japan's libraries have many positive attributes and continue to evolve. However, many library sectors struggle with serving users because of staff outsourcing, library leadership, and a focus on circulation statistics that prevent them from developing into 21st-century information and community centers. This paper reviews the history and current status of each library sector, including their services and staffing. It then examines their current challenges and how professionalism, librarian education, and community engagement are the main challenges to their success and suggests recommendations to elevate them to compete in the global arena.
Recommended Citation
Alix, Francis A.
(2021)
"The History and Current Challenges of Libraries in Japan,"
SLIS Connecting: Vol. 10:
Iss.
1, Article 9.
DOI: 10.18785/slis.1001.09
Available at:
https://aquila.usm.edu/slisconnecting/vol10/iss1/9
Included in
Archival Science Commons, Collection Development and Management Commons, Information Literacy Commons, Scholarly Communication Commons, Scholarly Publishing Commons
