Sure, here is a detailed article in English about the survey, in an easy-to-understand manner:
Public Libraries Across Japan: Understanding the Shift Towards E-books
Tokyo, Japan – July 2, 2025 – The Electronic Publishing Production and Distribution Council (known in Japan as 電子出版制作・流通協議会, or “Current Kyo”) has launched a significant survey aiming to understand the current state and future direction of e-books within public libraries across Japan. Titled the “2025 Public Library E-book Survey,” this initiative seeks to gather crucial data from librarians nationwide.
Why is this Survey Important?
The world of reading is changing rapidly. While printed books have long been the cornerstone of public libraries, e-books are increasingly becoming a popular and accessible format for readers. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for libraries. Current Kyo’s survey is designed to shed light on how Japanese public libraries are adapting to this digital transformation.
By understanding the current landscape, Current Kyo hopes to:
- Identify Current Practices: What is the extent of e-book services offered by public libraries? What types of e-books are available? How are they being accessed by patrons?
- Uncover Challenges: What hurdles do libraries face in implementing and managing e-book services? This could include issues with licensing, technology, funding, or staff training.
- Gauge Future Needs and Expectations: What are libraries’ plans for expanding their e-book collections? What support do they need from publishers and technology providers?
- Inform Policy and Development: The findings from this survey will be invaluable for policymakers, publishers, and technology companies looking to support and improve e-book services in Japanese public libraries.
What Kind of Information is Being Sought?
While the exact questions are not publicly detailed yet, surveys of this nature typically delve into areas such as:
- Availability of E-book Services: Do the libraries offer e-books for loan? If so, how many titles or what percentage of their collection is digital?
- E-book Procurement: How do libraries acquire e-books? Do they purchase them directly from publishers, through aggregators, or via other means?
- User Access and Experience: How do patrons access e-books? Are there dedicated library apps or online platforms? What devices are commonly used?
- Budget Allocation: What proportion of the library’s budget is dedicated to e-books compared to print materials?
- Staff Training and Expertise: Do library staff have the necessary skills to manage and assist patrons with e-book services?
- Challenges and Opportunities: What are the main difficulties encountered in providing e-book services, and what are the perceived benefits?
- Future Outlook: What are the library’s aspirations for e-book services in the coming years?
The Role of Current Kyo
The Electronic Publishing Production and Distribution Council (Current Kyo) is an organization dedicated to promoting the development and healthy distribution of electronic publications in Japan. They play a vital role in bridging the gap between creators, publishers, distributors, and consumers in the digital realm. This survey is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that public libraries can effectively serve their communities in the evolving digital age.
What’s Next?
Once the survey is completed and the data is analyzed, Current Kyo will likely publish a report detailing their findings. This report will be a crucial resource for anyone involved in the library and publishing sectors in Japan, offering insights into the progress and future of e-books in public libraries.
This initiative underscores the growing importance of digital resources in public libraries and highlights the ongoing efforts to make reading accessible and convenient for everyone in Japan. The “2025 Public Library E-book Survey” is a forward-looking step towards a more digitally inclusive library system.
電子出版制作・流通協議会（電流協）、「2025年公共図書館電子図書館アンケート」を実施中
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-02 09:41, ‘電子出版制作・流通協議会（電流協）、「2025年公共図書館電子図書館アンケート」を実施中’ was published according to カレントアウェアネス・ポータル. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.