I was working for the International Cooperation Division, Library Cooperation Department, for two years until March 1997. Concisely speaking, the Division is the window for the circulation of people, materials and information between Japan and overseas countries. To make it more concrete, I would like to present six cases I encountered. Before presenting the cases, I think I should refer to our role as a national library here, though it might lengthen this draft.
Online databases are open to prefectural and major municipal libraries.
We have collected by international exchange governmental publications which are otherwise difficult to acquire. We also make efforts to collect materials on Japan published in overseas countries as one of our most important policies. International lending, photoduplication and reference services are also provided. In reference to domestic cooperation, in addition to the lending, reference and photoduplication services, we send out guidebooks on our services, and hold Interlibrary Cooperation Seminars. Taking these activities into account, the NDL seems to be fulfilling its role as a national library positively and energetically.