Japanese libraries grew from approximately 700 in 1958 to almost 1,900 in the 1990s.
The most crucial change, however, wasn’t how many libraries were available, but rather who was using it.
According to a paper presented at the 1996 International Federation of Library Associations conference:
In Japan libraries used to be frequented only by antiquarian engaged in research or students who needed to study there. The library was a place for limited use, and often as a study room. Since the mid 1960s, however, a new attitude has been introduced toward the public library, using such catchwords as “to guard the people’s right to know”; “to ensure free and equa access to information for all people”.
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library facts, public libraries, japan, japanese libraries, Library Science
