Part 2: The Current State of Libraries Worldwide ~ "Hints for the Future" Visible in the Difference with Japan ~ | Softech

Softech has released the second installment of "Considering Libraries in 2030."
This initiative aims to contemplate the future of libraries, driven by challenges identified through their library system business.

Libraries worldwide are transforming from "places for quiet reading" to "places where people gather and spend time" (image for illustration).

In Japan, the image of "libraries = places for quiet reading" still strongly persists.

However, looking at the world, libraries have already transformed into "places where people gather and spend time."
This is not a story from a distant country.
— The signs may already be appearing in your town.

1. Nordic Countries: Libraries as "Citizens' Living Rooms"

The Nordic region is one of the most frequently used library areas in the world.

■ Nordic Libraries in Data
- Finland's library usage rate: Approximately 80% (80% of citizens use it at least once a year)
- Japan's library usage rate: Approximately 30%
- Finland's library budget: Approximately 1.5 times per person (compared to Japan)

■ Oodi Symbolizes a "Hub of Creation"
Helsinki Central Library Oodi welcomed over 3 million visitors in its opening year.
This figure is exceptional for a city with a population of 550,000.
- 3D printers
- Music studios
- Video editing suites
- Labs freely available to citizens

A library where there's no reason to go unless you're borrowing a book, versus
A library you want to visit even if you're not borrowing a book.
— Which one would you choose?

2. America: Libraries as "Community Hubs"

Libraries in America have become places that support local communities.

■ American Libraries in Data
- Annual visitors to public libraries: Approximately 1.1 billion (surpassing annual movie theater attendance)
- Participants in library programs: Over 100 million annually
- NYPL's digital archive: Over 1 million items publicly available for free

■ Features of NYPL
- Social workers on-site (expanding nationwide)
- Free legal consultations
- Language programs for immigrants
- Job search assistance and resume creation support

A library you can go to when you're in trouble.
A library where you can connect with others.
— Naturally, you'd be drawn to such a library.

3. Singapore: Libraries as an "Engine for a Continuously Learning Society"

In Singapore, libraries are an integral part of daily life.

■ Singapore Libraries in Data
- E-book lending rate: Approximately 4 times that of Japan
- Annual number of programs: Approximately 4,000
- Library location: Approximately 70% within shopping malls (at the heart of daily routines)

■ Features
- National Library Board (NLB) oversees nationwide
- Linked with reskilling support
- Structured learning programs for children to seniors

A place where anyone who wants to learn can learn anytime.
A library located in a shopping mall.
— If it were such a library, you'd drop by on your way shopping.

4. Netherlands: Libraries as a "Hub for Citizens to Discuss the Future"

In the Netherlands, libraries serve as places for dialogue between people.

■ Netherlands Libraries in Data
- Citizen participation events at libraries: Approximately 200,000 annually
- Installation rate of youth spaces: Over 80%
- Participants in digital education programs: Over 1 million annually

■ Features
- Citizen dialogues on social issues
- Workshops to consider the future of the region
- Development of dedicated spaces for youth
- Becoming a hub for digital education

Libraries where citizen-participatory events are held daily.
Libraries where youth and adults discuss the future of their community.
— If your ideas can move society, it's worth going.

5. Commonality Among World Libraries: "People-Centric, Not Book-Centric"

The commonality among libraries worldwide can be summarized by these four points:

1. Places where people gather
2. Places to encounter new things
3. Places to rely on when in need
4. Places to continuously learn anytime

Libraries are evolving into "spaces that support people's futures."

■ Summary

Libraries worldwide are evolving into "spaces that support people's futures."

Japan is heading in the same direction.
The difference is not in "direction" but in "speed."

What is important is not just a large budget.
Even an accumulation of small efforts can change a library.

— What kind of library do you want for your town?

Next time, we will consider "The Future of Libraries that can be achieved starting tomorrow, without spending money."

*This series can also be viewed on the official website.
Future updates will be announced here.
▼ Series list
https://libmax.com/information-115