What question did this study set out to answer?

The study investigates the effectiveness of library and information science education in preparing graduates for public librarianship in Japan.

April 4, 2026Open Access

Some issues of library and information science (LIS) education for public librarianship in 21st century Japan

Key Points

The study investigates the effectiveness of library and information science education in preparing graduates for public librarianship in Japan.
Analyzed data on academic institutions offering LIS education in Japan.
Assessed employment statistics for public library graduates.
Reviewed conditions of public library staffing and employment trends.
Approximately 10,000 students earn LIS certificates annually, yet only about 100 secure public library jobs.
Public library staff totaled 43,084 in 2022, with many employed part-time or via private companies.
Minimal changes in graduate employment rates over the past decade indicate a disconnect between education and job opportunities.

Abstract

In 2024, 192 academic institutions (152 four-year colleges and universities and 40 junior colleges) offer library and information science (LIS) education for public librarianship in Japan.It is estimated that every year approximately10,000 students will earn the certificate for public librarianship.However, approximately 100 graduates received their jobs in the public libraries in 2018, and this number has not much changed for last ten years.The total number of staff of public libraries was 43,084 in 2022, and many of them were part-time staff.In addition, many of them were employed by private companies.It is suspected that such conditions are mainly caused by the LIS education for public librarianship.

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Cite This Study

Zensei Oshiro (Tue,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d0a9c8659487ece0fa421d https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.14988/0002000834

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