Comparing Public Library Management under Designated Administrator System with Direct Management: Forcusing on Reference Service

Abstract

In Japan, public libraries have long been managed by local governments. However, with the introduction of the designated administrator system (DAS) in 2003, other organizations including private companies began to take over library management. In this study, we examine the differences between public libraries managed under DAS and those managed directly by local government (LG), with a focus on reference services. We compare the contents of the services provided and the number of reference questions received. The results show that LG libraries tend to answer users' questions directly, whereas DAS libraries tend to develop environments where users can find answers for themselves, such as by providing PCs connected to the Web and by offering classes on information-seeking skills. Our analysis shows that the DAS libraries receive more reference questions than LG libraries.