Library Services in Aging Japan

A Talk by Professor Chieko Mizoue, University of Tsukuba

In Japan, one in every four individuals is over 65 years of age, and one in eight is over 75 years of age. This presents challenges to  all levels of government and service organizations as they must adapt their infrastructure and service offerings to accommodate an aging population. We explore these new services as they relate to library service in Japan. We will utilize the results of recent government surveys and case studies, such as those done at the Izumo City Hikawa Library and the Akita Prefectural Library in Japan. We will look at how new library services are being designed to enhance the lives of elderly citizens, engaging them in the development and maintenance of their own communities.

The JFT library will be open before the event from 5:30 to 6:30.

About the Speaker:
Chieko Mizoue is a Professor in the Faculty of Library, Information and Media Science at the University of Tsukuba. Her research looks at policy of higher education and policy of culture. With regards to the policy of higher education, she is interested in adult learning and distance learning in post-secondary education in Japan and North America. On culture policy, she is currently studying the relationship between multiculturalism and libraries and museums in North America.