[Practical Edition] Small Actions That Change the Future ~ What Libraries, Government, and Citizens Can Each Do ~ | Softech Inc.

Softech Inc. (Headquarters: Sapporo) has released the practical edition of its information dissemination project "Thinking About Libraries in 2030," which considers the future of libraries.

This project is an ongoing initiative to communicate to society the future direction of libraries, based on the challenges and on-site changes observed through our library system business.

Furthermore, Softech will launch a new series, "Libraries Changed by Small Actions (5 Parts Total)," in August 2026, introducing examples of improvements and practical initiatives seen in libraries nationwide.

The future of libraries is not changed by large budgets or reforms alone. Changes can also begin with moving a single chair.

This new series will introduce changes born from such "small actions."

A comfortable library created with small efforts (※Image)

In a series of three parts, we have looked at "The Current State of Japanese Libraries," "The Present of World Libraries," and "A Vision of the Future in 2030."

So, who will drive the future?

It's not someone special.

It's the libraries, the government, the citizens – and each one of us.

The future changes not only by "what we do," but also by "what we don't do."

Libraries will not "disappear," but they may quietly fade away from disuse.

That is why the small actions we take now will gradually change the future.

1. What Libraries Can Do Starting Tomorrow

Spaces can be transformed with small efforts, without spending money.

Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere

* Turn chairs towards the window. * Use slightly warmer lighting. * Post a sign in the children's section saying, "It's okay to make noise."

Add Just One Event

* A 30-minute mini-lecture once a month. * Talk sessions utilizing staff's expertise. * User-submitted project ideas.

Even the smallest actions are the first step towards the future.

Make Users' Voices "Visible"

* Post user feedback. * Share survey results. * Communicate "We received this kind of feedback."

Users' voices are important hints for thinking about the future of libraries.

2. What the Government Can Do Starting Tomorrow

The role of the government is not just to allocate budgets. Isn't creating an "environment that doesn't stop" new challenges also an important form of support?

Try Just One Thing First

* Don't immediately dismiss ideas, even if there's no precedent. * Support small challenges.

The future of libraries is born from the accumulation of such small challenges.

Focus on Values Beyond Numbers

* Visitor dwell time. * Feedback from event participants. * Increase in repeat visitors. * Community response.

Values that cannot be seen solely through circulation numbers will become increasingly important from now on.

Connect Libraries and Citizens

* Develop volunteer systems. * Support citizen participation events. * Collaborate with local businesses. * Liaise with schools and welfare facilities.

Libraries demonstrate greater strength by connecting with the community.

3. What Citizens Can Do Starting Tomorrow

The future of libraries is supported by the small actions of citizens.

Use the Library

* Borrow one book. * Stop by for just 10 minutes. * Go with children.

First, visit the library. That is an important action that supports the future.

Say a Few Words

* "I enjoyed this book." * "This exhibition was good." * "I'd like to see a program like this." * Share your experience on social media.

Small comments and feedback lead to the next programs and services.

Support the Library

* Participate in events. * Volunteer just once a month. * Participate in read-aloud sessions.

By getting involved little by little, libraries become more familiar places.

4. What We Can Do

The future of libraries cannot be created by the strength of any single person.

– When the staff takes action, the government supports it, and citizens participate.

Libraries evolve only when this cycle is created.

And another important thing is to "create time" for libraries.

In libraries, time available for new challenges is limited due to the demands of daily operations.

Therefore, a "system that creates time" is necessary.

For example, the introduction of self-checkout machines is not just about efficiency. It reduces the time staff spend at the counter, creating "new time" to focus on user services and program development.

This leads to "leeway" for libraries to move towards the future.

We aim to be an entity that creates "leeway time" for libraries and supports their future endeavors.

Summary of the Practical Edition

The future of libraries is not changed by someone special. The accumulation of small actions gradually changes the future.

The difference between the world and Japan is not in "direction" but in "speed." And it is the actions of each one of us that change that speed.

We hope this series will be an "opportunity" for you to think about the future of you and the library.

Next Series Preview

The next series will be "Libraries Changed by Small Actions (5 Parts Total)." Libraries are beginning to change little by little, even without large budgets or special equipment.

Next time, we will deliver [Part 1] User Feedback Moved the Library ~ A Small Change That Began with a Single Word ~.

▼Thinking About Libraries in 2030 | Future Vision Series (3 Parts) + Practical Edition (1 Special Part)

You can view them here.

https://libmax.com/information-115

[Part 1] Aren't Libraries Necessary Anymore? ~ The Changing Role of Libraries ~

[Part 2] The Present of World Libraries ~ "Hints for the Future" Seen in the Differences with Japan ~

[Part 3] A Vision of the Future in 2030 ~ How Will Libraries Change? ~

[Practical Edition] Small Actions That Change the Future ~ What Libraries, Government, and Citizens Can Each Do ~