National Diet Library Vision 2026–2030: Co-create the Circulation of Knowledge

The National Diet Library (NDL) established our new vision of “Co-create the Circulation of Knowledge” in order to remain true to our mission and purposes stipulated by the National Diet Library Law in a rapidly shifting information ecosystem.

The “Circulation of Knowledge” in this vision refers to a growing cyclical process where the “National Collection” is used for the purpose of the National Diet’s activities, intellectual activities and other activities. New knowledge or information created as a result of these activities then improves the National Collection. This collection, is composed of all knowledge and information produced in Japan or related to Japan. In order to ensure world-wide and universal access to information and to achieve its essential role, the information that constitutes the National Collection needs to change in accordance with the changes in the information ecosystem.

While the NDL has historically built the National Collection largely on its own, we aim to re-define the National Collection in response to changes in information ecosystem and collectively build and expand the National Collection with affiliated institutions. We will also prioritize co-creating the circulation of knowledge with the stakeholders who use, produce, and manage information resources, based on the National Collection.

We have established five initiatives for the five years starting in FY2026, as follows, to achieve the aims mentioned above.

Initiative 1　Build the National Collection with and on a Network
Initiative 2　Enable universal access to knowledge with digital technology
Initiative 3　Support the National Diet with robust evidence
Initiative 4　Contribute to creating knowledge with library services utilizing information technology
Initiative 5　Transform organizational capabilities to underpin the circulation of knowledge

Initiative 1
Build the National Collection with and on a Network

We aim to build the National Collection by the combination of seeking to expand the legally defined scope of acquiring internet materials and online publications, and cooperating with affiliated institutions. For building the National Collection, we adopt unified access and collective preservation as fundamental principles. Furthermore, we will unify collecting and organizing library materials in both tangible and intangible formats.
To achieve these goals, we will accelerate the acquisition of library materials within the current collection legislation and investigate the scope and priorities of collection development for digital information resources in preparation for expanding the legally defined scope of materials to be collected. By strengthening linkage with institutional repositories operated by both the public and private sectors, we will build the National Collection on the network. We will unify collecting and organizing library materials in tangible and intangible formats to improve bibliographic service which ensures access to the National Collection.

Initiative 2
Enable universal access to knowledge with digital technology

To realize an environment where everyone can access more information resources, we aim to integrate the digital infrastructure of information resources by digitizing holdings of NDL and enriching accessible materials and services with a focus on reading accessibility.
Under this vision, we will digitize library materials, convert them to full-text data and migrate contents from currently obsolete media to be searchable and in accessible formats on our digital infrastructure. Regarding data for persons with print disabilities, we will promote acquisition and production of such data and provide smooth access via the internet.

Initiative 3
Support the National Diet with robust evidence

Supporting the activities of the National Diet is our top priority. We will steadily provide highly reliable and value-added responses to requests from Diet members based on objective research and analysis. Furthermore, we will conduct research on national policy issues to facilitate the Diet deliberations and publish the research results for provision to Diet members as well as use in responding to requests for research. We will strive to provide higher-quality services that take full advantage of human and material resources available at the NDL and advanced information technology.
We will enhance our research services with the knowledge and information which are gained through cooperation with universities, research facilities and other parliamentary institutions, both in Japan and overseas. We will provide both Diet members and general public with easy access to information generated by the National Diet, including a Full-text Database System for the Minutes of the Diet that is jointly developed through cooperation with the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. We will promote public use of the publications which are the results of our research on national policy issues.

Initiative 4
Contribute to creating knowledge with library services utilizing information technology

We will establish nation-wide services by promoting the use of remote services and strengthening library networks. Concurrently, we will develop a discovery service designed for an era of human-AI collaboration in knowledge creation. We will also adapt our on-site services to this evolving service landscape.
We will pursue promoting the use of remote services, by the efforts to increase the number of users of the Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Individuals, explore the potential of the Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Libraries especially when it is used by young adult users, and provide instructional information using advanced information technology. Simultaneously we aim to strengthen library networks by developing a reference network that incorporates interactive communication between libraries. Regarding discovery services, we are both improving our current services and exploring suitable services for an evolving information environment shaped by rapid advancement in AI. We will continue to provide on-site services for enabling users to conduct research and encounter intellectual heritage. Furthermore, we will advance our review on on-site environment and services in anticipation of establishment of nation-wide services.

Initiative 5
Transform organizational capabilities to underpin the circulation of knowledge

We will leverage cutting-edge information technology such as generative AI to create an environment where services can be developed and workflows can be reconstructed in a timely and appropriate manner. To achieve this goal, we will invest in staff with specialized skills and collaborate with other institutes for utilizing cutting-edge information technology and develop data infrastructure supporting our activities.
Furthermore, we will contribute to the development of knowledge infrastructure and the formulation of an affluent society by improving the quality of our services and the workflow we conduct, which are enabled by human resources development that responds to the changing times. At the same time, we will review our work division, rethink our organization, and reallocate our resources to address the challenges ahead.