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The Waseda University Library, evolving with the times
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The Waseda University Library, evolving with the times

Wed, Feb 17, 2016
The Waseda University Library, evolving with the times
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Interview

We met with Waseda University Library Director, Professor Fukazawa, to discuss the goals and vision of the University Library.

図書館長 理工学術院教授 深澤良彰 早稲田大学大学院理工学研究科で博士課程を修了後、1992年早稲田大学理工学部情報学科教授に就任。2010年から2014年まで研究推進(総括)および情報化推進担当理事。2014年より図書館長。

Waseda University Library Director, Professor Yoshiaki Fukazawa (Faculty of Science and Engineering)

Continuing forward and staying true to our principles

──Can you please tell us about the fundamental principles behind the Waseda Library?

The Waseda Library is a place for accumulating knowledge. Our library boasts the largest book collection of all university libraries in Japan, and its resources include magazines, electronic journals, databases, and more. We have all types of academic resources available here.

We place great emphasis on using our collection to benefit society and are using our materials from around the world to contribute to a wide range of academic research. For example, we are a longtime member of the international library network, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), which allows us to share data with libraries around the world. We also created the Kotenseki Sogo Database of Japanese & Chinese Classics, which is available to users around the world free of charge. Every book and material in this database has been categorized and digitized, giving users access to a plethora of invaluable materials.

Although the aforementioned activities are an everyday routine for us, we enjoy hearing from international researchers how much they appreciate our resources.  Researchers interested in Japan are delighted when they learn about the accessibility and openness of our library.

We will continue to fulfill our duties as a place for accumulating knowledge and providing valuable resources.

Adapting to changes in the world

lib1

Group work spaces and discussion areas

──Can you please tell us about some recent initiatives?

To meet the needs of many people, we must adapt to changes occurring in the world.

University libraries have the reputation of being places where people can search for and quietly read materials relating to their coursework and research. For this reason, we have many quiet spaces where visitors can browse materials and have staff working hard to manage and organize our collections.

As part of Waseda Vision 150, we are utilizing the developments and spread of information and communication technology to create a new era for the library. One particular area we are improving is the implementation of various educational methods.

Based on Waseda Vision 150, Waseda University’s courses are shifting towards an education style known as “active learning.”  Active learning emphasizes interactivity and the process of identifying and solving problems, and aims to strengthen students’ thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

To adapt to these changes, we have introduced spaces where students can work together and have discussions. Students can prepare for their classes and conduct lively discussions in these soundproof spaces. Students can also change the number of seats in these spaces depending on the number of people in their group. There are currently three of these rooms in the Central Library. We also have a “learning commons” area that accommodates similar purposes. I would like to continue to coordinate and improve this learning support system for students throughout the entire university.

Providing services outside of the library

The evolution and permeation of information and communication technology has brought about an era where students can instantly search for and access information from around the world. To simply provide facilities, store information, and say to students, “come on in,” overlooks the true value of libraries.

One example is our comprehensive IT network that connects the library to outside facilities. Without setting foot into the Central Library, students can use our online reference service. Students simply fill out an email forum with the information they would like to access. Library staff respond to students’ inquiry by recommending search methods and providing appropriate information and materials. In the future, we would like to implement a simultaneous system that allows students to consult with staff while searching for materials. We also provide an Interlibrary Loan service, which allows students to access information from a partner university that is unavailable at Waseda. Students can request these materials from partner libraries online.

With the cooperation of academic departments, we provide many opportunities for students to learn about our library’s services. For example, we often hold a short learning session for new students during one of their regular classes. During this session, we teach students about the library’s various functions and available search methods. These sessions are part of our initiative to promote Library Literacy throughout the university. We also collaborate with laboratories and seminars to provide customized sessions that best accommodate their research. This is all part of our goal to shorten the distance between the library and classroom.

Other recent initiatives include student volunteer events and exhibitions co-hosted by the several museums on campus. We hope the increased number of opportunities for students to participate in library related events will motivate them to visit the library themselves.

We are working to provide the best possible facilities for students. However, we are not just organizing these facilities, but also utilizing the various resources available throughout the university. Whether it be the Global Education Center, IT Center, Center for Higher Education Studies, Academic Writing Program, or university museums, we are working with the many exceptional organizations at Waseda to provide comprehensive support to students.

New skills desired from staff

──Are there any large changes occurring in terms of skills required from library staff?

We live in a time when library staff must do more than simply familiarize themselves with books. It is important to have specialized knowledge in book collection, but it is also important to interact with users and provide them with services that allow them to utilize the library effectively. In order to encourage students to use the library, staff must refine their presentation skills, hospitality, and event planning abilities.

Constantly looking for new ways to improve

──Can you please share with us your ambitions going forward?

Universities are undergoing tremendous changes. As mentioned before, students have new ways of learning and researchers are fiercely competing with one another around the world. Students, faculty, and researchers alike are demanding more and more access to materials and information. We must take central responsibility for creating an environment that can respond to these changes. Utilizing the latest technology, we will constantly look for new ways to improve.


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