More than ever before, Japan is aware of its potential for shaping the global library and information scene and the Japanese are responding to the current flood of information with new media technologies and improved database services with a synergistic approach that involves library professionals, information specialists, governmental leaders, corporate and industry planners, and information consumers. This reference work traces the development of traditional and modern libraries and librarianship in Japan and describes what they have become in modern times. The book begins with a retrospective glance at the cultural and literary circumstances surrounding the development of language, writing, paper, books, and other activities which fostered early library activity. The chapters that follow provide detailed information on the evolution of particular types of libraries, including the National Library and academic, public, school, and special libraries. Discussion also includes library automation, librarian education and professional organizations. Several statistical tables are presented throughout the text and an extensive bibliography of English and Japanese sources concludes the volume. (AEF)