Table of ContentsThe Journal of Information Science and Technology
Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Vol. 51 i2001j ,@No.7
Special feature : New waves of Public Libraries
in Japan
Present state and problems of Japanese public libraries,
Hideki MINAI
(University of Library and Information Science (1-2, Kasuga, Tukuba-shi Ibaraki 305-8550))
Abstract : In Japan recently advanced public libraries have been providing new information services. Several guidelines that propose new management and information services have been published. However, many other public libraries have a lot of difficult management problems.
These public libraries are not given high priority by their local governments. This is because many Japanese public libraries do not provide adequate reference service or periodical collections, and do not separate professional and nonprofessional duties. In these points, they are different from many American public libraries. Japanese public libraries have not done necessary improvements for 30 years. The problems of Japanese public libraries are to advance the separation of professional and nonprofessional duties, and to prepare for the future by forecasting the influence of information networks on public libraries.
Keywords : Public Library / Professional Librarian / Information Service / Periodical /Internet / American Public Library / Library Movement
The library of the 24 hour opening (The studying house gManabo-kan"),
Takemasa NISHIMURA
(Susa Library (Susa 4296, Susa-cho, Abu-gun, Yamaguchi 759-3411))
Abstract : The progress until it established the library of the 24 hour opening, and actual condition of the opening was reported. 1) The progress until the library of the 24 hour opening is possible. 2) The system of the 24 hour opening. 3) The progress after the opening. 4) Future problem. This library is a result of being born in order to respond to the request of townsmen, and it is possible that the book is borrowed by freely dealing with in the self always. This library aims at a library for children and townsmen.
Keywords : library / 24 hour opening
The trial of the library in a small town\Shiga Kosei Town Library,
Kohei UMEZAWA
(Shiga Prefectural Library (1740-1 Setaminamiogaya-cho, Otsu-shi, Shiga 520-2122))
Abstract : The author was invited as a professional chief librarian in order to newly construct the library in small town in Shiga Prefecture, and it would be related from the business of the opening preparation. Then, it aimed at an operation of the library which inhabitant is friendly in the living and library which is useful for inhabitant by the wipe of the negative image of until now library with the bad service. In the reason, it advertised for the librarian with the passion from the national, and the reliability to the daily work of the material offer was raised. And, various trials for digging and sending the region up were carried out. As the result, the degree of library use of high inhabitant was obtained, and the recognition that party and Congress evaluated it high and that they are the facilities in which libraries are necessary to the town planning heightened. The progress of such a small library management in a district was reported.
Keywords : library / construction / professionals / chief librarian / advertisement / library management
Digitalization of Japanese Public Libraries and their Publicness,
Akira NEMOTO
(Graduate School of Education, the University of Tokyo (7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033))
Abstract : Japanese public libraries are facing the third changing phase during the postwar period. Digitalization of the libraries, which is rather delayed than academic and special libraries, is the focal point. Recently editors, publishers and writers, who are related with the publishing industry, have argued that public libraries are threatening the industry. With some misunderstandings, they are forseeing the future relationships which might be much closer than now. The author agrees with the points and insists that the publicness of public libraries be clear.
Keywords : public library / library policy / library package software / publishing industry / bestsellers / publicness
The Management of the Library by NPO `Kochi Children's Library, Kochi Prefecture`,
Rei HOKIYAMA
(NPO Kochi Children's Library, Volunteer group (6-16, Eikokuji-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi 780-0844))
Abstract : Many citizens who were concerned in children's culture and books for many years started a campaign to institute a gChildren's library." Its beginning was the project to transfer Kochi Prefectural Library to a new building. After much complications, the campaign achieved success as gNPO Kochi Children's Library," supported by Prefectural Administration.
For one year or so since its opening, Iibrary activities have been done satisfactorily. The remaining problem is to fix the financial basis, which is so hard for the library to settle by itself. It should cooperate with other NPOs, search the way and persevere in its effort to be the non profit organization with both of the firm mission and stable financial basis, to facilitate the mature society.
Keywords : children / books / future / library / NPO / citizen / administration / reform / dream
PFI and Public Library,
Michihiro HAMANO
(Non Profit Organisation gJAPAN PFI ASSOCIATION" (Kanda Amerex bldg. 1F, 3-1-16,Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0061))
Abstract : PFI or Private Finance Initiative, originated in UK, is designed to optimize public services, by utilizing business experiences of private sector. The legal frameworks for introducing PFI to Japan are being set up. Local governments in Japan, mostly facing financial difficulties, are toward PFI for maintaining series of public services such as public library.
The public sector remains as basic servicer at a public library realized by PFI. All other services and facilities shall be run by the PFI operator. Service level at a PFI library must be kept high by the PFI agreement which reflects opinions of citizens and experts who can thoroughly examine all aspects of library services from the first stage of the project.
Keywords : Private Finance Initiative / PFI operator / Public Sector Comparator / Life Cycle Cost of PFI project / Net Present Value / Value For Money / Introduction of Private Sector to Public Services / Reduction of Public Expenditures