Landmark Initiative: Nihon Toshokan Kenkyukai to Digitize and Release ‘Toshokan Kai’ Volumes 1-50 on J-STAGE
A significant step forward for library research and dissemination of knowledge is being taken by the Nihon Toshokan Kenkyukai (Japanese Library Association Research Council). The organization has officially approved a plan to make the entirety of its esteemed journal, “Toshokan Kai” (The Library World), from its inaugural Volume 1 to Volume 50, accessible online through the J-STAGE platform.
This exciting development was announced on September 10, 2025, at 07:59 JST, by Current Awareness Portal, a prominent resource for news and information related to libraries and information services. The decision signifies a commitment to broadening access to vital historical and contemporary research within the Japanese library field, making these foundational volumes available to a wider audience than ever before.
“Toshokan Kai” has long been a cornerstone of professional discourse and scholarly inquiry in Japan, serving as a crucial platform for librarians, researchers, and information professionals to share their findings, discuss emerging trends, and document the evolution of library services and practices. The journal’s rich history, spanning decades of invaluable contributions, will now be preserved and readily available in a digital format, ensuring its continued relevance and impact.
The integration of these early volumes onto J-STAGE, a widely recognized and accessible platform for Japanese academic journals, is a strategic move that promises to democratize access to this important body of work. Researchers, students, practitioners, and anyone interested in the history and development of Japanese librarianship will be able to easily search, read, and cite these seminal articles. This digitization effort will undoubtedly foster new research avenues, facilitate comparative studies, and support the ongoing advancement of library science within Japan and beyond.
The Nihon Toshokan Kenkyukai’s forward-thinking decision to embrace digital dissemination reflects the evolving landscape of scholarly communication and the growing importance of open access initiatives. By making these historical “Toshokan Kai” volumes available on J-STAGE, the Council is not only preserving a valuable intellectual heritage but also actively contributing to the global dissemination of knowledge and the enrichment of the library profession. This initiative is a testament to their dedication to scholarly excellence and their commitment to serving the library community.
日本図書館研究会、『図書館界』第1巻から第50巻をJ-STAGEを通じて公開する計画を承認
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カレントアウェアネス・ポータル published ‘日本図書館研究会、『図書館界』第1巻から第50巻をJ-STAGEを通じて公開する計画を承認’ at 2025-09-10 07:59. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.