Public and special libraries in Japan.

Music collections in general public libraries in Japan consist primarily of audiovisual materials, most of which are gifts from local collectors. In most cases, music librarians are absent in both general public libraries and national libraries. The Special and Public Libraries Commitee (SPLC) of the Music Library Association of Japan plays a central role for significant music information services for the public. Distinctive services provided by the member libraries of the SPLC are briefly described in this article. Public music libraries in Japan have some difficulties in their management due to the introduction of a designed manager system into public institutions in 2003. The system seems to pose a severe obstacle for public libraries in order to plan long-range programs and services. At the same time, library staff cannot develop their skills as an expertise. These are urgent matters to be solved as well as examining outsourced human resources, maintenance of short-lived AV equipments, and complicated copyright issues.