I have received a report from Mr. Okabe, Manager at the Nagoya University Library (formerly the Manager of our university’s Central Library), whom I have worked with for some time, that their proposal for a librarian development project has been accepted by the Japan Library Foundation. Congratulations!! I am very happy to hear this.

For some time, Mr. Okabe and I had been discussing how we would like to apply for a grant together to do something that would spread nationwide, tailored to the Japanese context, such as developing library staff, improving learning commons, and enhancing or expanding library functions. Unfortunately, Mr. Okabe was transferred to Nagoya University, but we have continued to talk frequently since then.

I am very pleased that this grant has been accepted. While this project will be centered at Nagoya University, it will also be carried out in cooperation with Kanazawa University and Shizuoka University. Another notable feature is that researchers in library and information science, learning sciences, and Educational Technology will also be collaborating. The content will focus on information literacy, and I believe it will also incorporate various learning theories and the use of social media. As the installation of learning spaces such as learning commons within libraries continues to progress, libraries will increasingly be positioned as centers for learning. I believe it is necessary to develop human resources who can thrive in these libraries as places of learning. This project will be involved in that effort.

I look forward to creating something valuable for current library staff and those who aspire to become library staff that is suited to the present and the future.