― The Current Situation Based on the 2015 Questionnaire―By Yasuko Hirata & Kenji Murakami (Japan Library Association)
Summary
Based on the result of the 2015 questionnaire, the Japan Library Association (JLA) found that the multicultural libraryservices in Japan had improved in some degree, but are still being developed.

Introduction
According to the Immigration Bureau, the number of foreign residents in Japan has more than doubled over the past
three decades. As of 12/31/2015, they are now total 2,232,189 people, comprising 1.76% of the entire population.
JLA carried out the research project on multicultural library services in 1988 and 1998. There are several purposes for thenew 2015 questionnaire. Among them are to determine whether multicultural library services have made progress since thelast study; whether there are new services or technologies now being provided; and what problems libraries are facing now
in delivering on these services.

Methods
This research was conducted by questionnaire. They were sent to the main libraries of each local government, college,and university, and asked for replies through the website.

Qestionnaire 1. Multicultural services in public librariesResearch period: from October 9 to November 31
Response: 1182 answers (1005 out of 1366 main libraries of local governments and 177 branches)

Qestionnaire 2. Multicultural services to international students in academic libraries
Research period: from July 9 to August 31
Response: 956 answers (751 out of 1,021 main libraries and 205 branch libraries)

Brief result of the 2015 questionnaire
Qestionnaire 1 (Public libraries)
Preparing guidelines for multicultural services
Providing events for minority peoples
Having a partnership with other sections
Providing computer(s) to access the internetHaving a meeting with minorities

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

1998
157
1353
--13

Top five problems which public libraries are facing now.

The information needs of minority people are not clear.
Communications skills of library staff dealing with minorities are poor.
Budget for multilingual materials is very small.
Promotion of library usage by minorities is inadequate.
Selecting and ordering multilingual materials is very difficult.

Qestionnaire 2 (Academic libraries)

2015
256
312
475
949
31

Providing a web site for international students
Having a partnership with other sections
Providing multilingual materials
Conducting a needs analysis of international students

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

1998
137
160
493
50

2015
290
287351
128

Top five issues that academic libraries are facing now.

Communications skills with international students should be developed.
Guides to library use in several different languages should be provided.
Analysis of international students' needs should be prepared
Library manuals for multicultural services should be prepared
Budgets for multilingual materials and staff should be increased.

Toward the future development of services
Based on the result of the 2015 questionnaire, JLA recommends:☆ Collect and share information on multicultural library services and best practices in Japan.
☆ Do research on foreign users’ needs.
☆ Develop staff communications skills with foreign residents or students.
☆ Attract multicultural populations to libraries.
☆ Establish a partnership with other sections in the same organization and local community.

Thank you!
See a handout for more information.