List of libraries in Japan explained

This is a list of in Japan.

Background

Isonokami no Yakatsugu's Nara period is held out to be Japan's first public library, but private libraries, such as Kanazawa Bunko, remained the norm until modern times. The Imperial Library, one of the predecessors to the National Diet Library, was established towards the end of the nineteenth century. In 1948, during the Occupation, the was passed, creating Japan's sole national library,^[1] followed in 1950 by the, the twenty nine articles of which cover both (Chapter II) and (Chapter III).^[2]

Public libraries

As of 2008, there were 3,106 public libraries in Japan, including: 1 regional library, 62 prefectural libraries, 2,433 city libraries, and 610 town libraries.^[1]

Prefectural libraries

Kyūsyū region

Municipal libraries

• Hakodate City Central Library
  • ^[3]

Special libraries

1,761 institutions were listed in the 2009 Directory of Special Libraries in Japan.^[1]

• E.H. Norman Library, Embassy of Canada

University libraries

In 2007, there were 758 four-year universities in Japan: 86 national, 77 public, 595 private.^[1]

• • • • Tama Art University Library
• Sophia University Library (上智大学図書館, Jōchi Daigaku Toshokan)
  • Central Library (中央図書館, Chūō Toshokan)
  • Law School Library (法科大学院図書室, Hōka Daigakuin Toshoshitsu)
  • Mejiro Seibo Campus Library (目白聖母キャンパス図書館, Mejiro Seibo Kyanpasu Toshokan)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Brief Information on Libraries in Japan - Public Libraries. Japan Library Association. 22 August 2020.
2. Web site: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC0000000118 . ja:図書館法 . Museum Act . Japanese . elaws.e-gov.go.jp . 22 August 2020.
3. Web site: 図書館情報 - 妙高市 . 2023-10-27 . www.city.myoko.niigata.jp.