Information provision on local industries by Japanese public libraries: a survey on cultural industry-focused corners

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine how Japanese public libraries position and implement their services to provide information on cultural industries as local industries. Furthermore, the design characteristics of corners providing information on local industries and the potential and issues of services for contributing to the development of local industries were discussed. Design/methodology/approach Through qualitative content analysis of library and municipal publications and websites, the following perspectives were examined: description, background of collecting materials and relationship with the local government policies. Through direct observations of library corners, the following perspectives were examined: location of the library, location of the corner, library information resource arrangement and content and content without library information resources. The targets were the following three corners related to the cultural industry: animation corner, film materials room and Ningyo (Japanese doll) corner. Findings Regarding the design characteristics of corners, an intent to disseminate the appeal of local industries was particularly revealed. Regarding potential, cultural industries examined in this study are present in various and supporting cultural industries can promote development in these communities, even though traditional BI services may not be effective in some communities. Regarding issues, helping revitalize users and local businesses and collaboration with other organizations was inadequate. Originality/value This study provides suggestions for libraries to support local industries, expanding the concept of BI services, and has the potential to support communities that traditional BI services cannot cover.