On March 10, 2008, an open lecture meeting “Libraries in the knowledge society - visions for the future” was held in the Tokyo Main Library, inviting Dr. Claudia Lux, President of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Following the lecture meeting, an open discussion by Dr. Lux and Dr. Makoto Nagao, Librarian of the NDL, was held. (Dr. Lux’s presentation file: 355KB in PDF format)

Dr. Lux gives a lecture at the NDL

Library services for the knowledge society

Since ancient times, libraries have contributed to the development of human knowledge. In the 20th century, the role of libraries became more important with the exponential explosion of information. In this century, we are in the “knowledge society,” which stresses the fact that investment in intangible, human and social capital is seen as a valuable asset alongside knowledge and creativity. A lot of libraries have already started services for the knowledge society such as digitization, OPAC, 24-hour web reference service and RSS feeds. Our real challenge is to build the cyberinfrastructure of our society. A collaborative research environment should be extended outside universities through the network of public libraries. Technologies facilitate participation by users and outreach services. User-generated contents will be more important. Libraries should utilize Web 2.0 activities and other technologies and encourage users’ participation in libraries’ information services.

Future role of libraries

As in the past, libraries take an important role as facilitators for access to information and knowledge. Now libraries are becoming teachers for information literacy. People need to know how to use information and judge what is correct information on the web, and libraries are able to teach such kinds of things. Libraries have been keepers of cultural heritage but now also cover digital knowledge. These roles cannot be fulfilled without cooperation between libraries and other partners. In order to fulfil these roles, it is important to take a new role on top of the old ones. Staff development in IT and outreach services is also crucial.

Challenges in the knowledge society – Libraries on the agenda –

Economic and legal aspects affect library activities. In a financial crisis, I think we have to advocate for libraries. This means informing politicians and citizens about the value of libraries for the development of society. We have to put libraries on the agenda. Many libraries fear that the big digitization project between libraries and Google could negatively affect libraries but I see opportunities in it. It could accelerate digitization in libraries and put libraries on the agenda. Diversified publishing models are also interesting. Open source will produce good business models which enable us to provide free access to better information. It may not be easy to some of the problems we face due to copyright issues but in the IFLA, we would like to promote our activities with a balance between economic and legal and other aspects.

Marketing, advocacy and IFLA activities

Libraries can contribute not only to culture and education but also to the fields of city planning, family policy, health, economy and administration. Libraries should analyze plans and strategies in those fields and find how they can take part. At the same time, libraries need to build advocacy capacity to guarantee the sustainability of library services. Librarians should make their importance visible as a key to the knowledge society.

IFLA is a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization which supports libraries and library associations in the world. It connects international professionals in library information services and that is why it is so important. If we do not work together, we will not be able to develop. IFLA’s purposes are to promote a high standard of services, to work together, to develop international standards and guidelines and to speak up for libraries. IFLA advocates that libraries are part of our digital infrastructure. Libraries bridge the digital divide, and support development of culture, education and the society.

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In the discussion, broad topics were picked up including IFLA’s support activities for the development of libraries in various situations, actions for promoting digital library projects and domestic and international cooperation with libraries and related institutions. They also received many questions from the audience. Dr. Lux emphasized the importance of advocacy and said that librarians need to change themselves first and make their work visible in order to gain understanding from politicians and users.

More details of this lecture and discussion will be published in NDL Monthly Bulletin no. 579, June (in Japanese).

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