Open Forums on Japanese Library Resources

Japan Past & Present (JPP) is pleased to announce that its Library Services Team will host a virtual open forum for librarians and information specialists who work with Japanese resources. In order to facilitate participation by specialists in disparate time zones, the open forum will comprise two sessions: one on August 3/4, 2026 and a second on August 5/6, 2026 (precise times in various time zones are provided below). 

In recent years, information science specialists—those trained as Japan Studies professionals, as well as those who support faculty and students in the field—have struggled with resource availability, shifting institutional commitments and expectations, training opportunities, and more. In March 2026, the JPP Library Services Team put out a survey focused on needs and challenges pertaining to Japanese Studies resources; the two open forums will begin with a report and discussion of the results of that survey, followed by a listening session intended to give the Library Services Team a better understanding of the needs and challenges of librarians and library staff around the world. 

The two sessions of this open forum will serve as a valuable opportunity to share information about the shared challenges of information specialists in Japan Studies, or Area Studies more broadly. At the same time, they will also inform the planning of an in-person academic symposium and workshop, to be held at UCLA in early 2027, in support of Japan-related librarianship in its many forms. As part of its mission to provide equitable access to scholarly tools and materials, and to help realize an increasingly diverse and inclusive future for the Japanese humanities, JPP is keen to learn more about the needs of Japanese Studies librarians, information specialists, and library staff who engage with Japanese resources at all levels, and in diverse institutional contexts. We are particularly eager to understand what types of strategic support these essential educators feel could have the greatest impact.

Each of the two sessions of this open forum will be held online via Zoom. Colleagues (including non-library affiliated researchers and students interested in learning more about these issues) are welcome to register for one or both sessions based on their availability. Registration links, as well as the times for each session in various time zones, can be found below.

We look forward to fruitful discussions!