Currently, public libraries in Japan are facing declining utilization and decaying facilities, and many require renovation or reconstruction.
This study discusses sustainable design strategies for Japanese public libraries by introducing the time concept. Originality/value – This paper argues that in many ways digital libraries really are places in the conceptual sense, and will continue to broaden and enrich the roles that libraries play in people's lives and in the larger social milieu. Practical implications – Areas of likely future development for digital libraries are suggested, as vehicles for enhancing cognitive space by augmenting representations of ideas in materials. Research limitations/implications – Digital libraries are unable to fulfill some of the functions of the physical library as physical spaces, but are able to offer functions beyond what the physical library can offer as cognitive spaces. Findings – As more digital libraries are built, and as more physical libraries offer electronic access to parts of their collection, two trends are likely to result: the role of the library as a storage space for materials will become decreasingly important and the role of the library as a space for users, for individual and collaborative work, and as a space for social activity, will become increasingly important. The issue of physical and digital spaces as places for work, collaboration, and community-building is considered. Places for people are considered, including issues of people's sense of place in physical and digital spaces. The issue of materials and the ideas they represent is considered. Design/methodology/approach – A framework is provided for thinking about the notions of place and library. Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a high-level investigation of the physical-conceptual continuum occupied by both digital and physical libraries. Libraries can then more easily and efficiently segment their audience and automate their marketing communications. Combining marketing tools with data from the library management system (LMS) and associated systems such as ebook platforms, databases, library websites, and event and room booking platforms is seen as a key factor in strengthening libraries’ promotional impact.
In simple terms it’s about delivering the right messages to the right people at the right time. The community engagement solutions that have emerged differ in detail but share common elements. In recent years, however, community or patron engagement has risen from the ranks of routine activities to become a strategic priority requiring new kinds of solutions. Public libraries have always engaged with their users and the wider community. It highlights how emerging community engagement solutions may help target existing and potential users in repositioning public libraries and refreshing their services. This briefing paper outlines the challenges public libraries face in reshaping their community profile.