Issue-oriented strategies or extensive infrastructure for digital scholarship? The policy, practices and projects of Japanese digital archives and libraries

Abstract

This article describes reviews, topics, and possible solutions in relation to the policy, practices and projects surrounding Japanese digital archives/libraries. In this context, the concept of digital archives is preferred over digital libraries, not only in Japan, but also worldwide. From the author’s perspective, the most problematic issue of Japanese digital archives/libraries is their sustainability, specifically in terms of funding and setting deadlines. In 2020, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held, which will provide the opportunity to promote Japanese culture through digital archives/libraries. As a potential solution, the author suggests applying open licenses to digital archives/libraries, which would allow users to create their own systems by using the contents, in addition to open systems such as the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF). Finally, the author concludes that the policy, practices and projects of Japanese digital archives/libraries should develop extensive infrastructure for digital scholarship globally, rather than issue-oriented strategies for the survival of Japanese culture and intellectual property (IP).