I have successfully completed the above training program organised by the
Japan Foundation and the National Diet Library held in Japan from November 28 to
December 18, 2004. As part of the Training Program, I have given a 15 minutes
presentation on "Information Literacy Education Program" which was well received
(i.e. most people stayed awake) by the audience of over 90 people.
About the Training ProgramA. PurposeThe purpose of the Training Program is set out in the publication dated August 2004 issued by the Japan Foundation, namely, to invite Japanese Information Specialists from overseas to Japan to attend the Training Program with the view:- a. to enhance the accumulation of Japanese related information in various countries;b. to improve information services to researchers in Japanese studies in various countries; and c. to make contribution to the improvement of international understanding of Japan. B. Participants17 people attended the Training Program. They were from Korea, China, Vietnam, Canada, USA, Brazil, Italy, England, Germany, France, Russia and Australia consisting of librarians, lecturers and researchers but none was from the private sector.C. Training Program Itinerary and CurriculumGenerally, the three weeks Training Program was very intense. The first 2 weeks from 21 November to 10 December 2004 was spent in Tokyo, attending lectures and touring various institutions including the National Diet Library, National Institute of Japanese Literature, National Institute of Informatics and Tokyo University Library. From 13 to 17 December 2004 the Training Program moved to Kansai area (Kyoto and Nara), and also attended lectures and visited Kyoto University Library, Kansai-kan of the National Diet Library and Nara National Museum.AchievementI believe the Training Program successfully fulfilled its purpose as follows:- a. From my perspective and from the perspective of the East Asian Collection in the Sydney University, the most significant merit in attending the Training Program was, I believe, that I came to know the existence of a significant number of internet sites (about 150) containing databases for Japanese studies encompassing Japanese history, literature, art, government and politics, statistical information, social and economic information and so on, anything and everything pertaining to Japan. These sites include the sites of the National Diet Library, National Institute of Informatics and International Research Center for Japanese Studies, National Institute of Japanese Literature, Nara National Museum and Kyoto University Library. I was able to learn the existence of these sites only through the Training Program. Through hands on training I received at the Training Program, I am now hopefully able to assist students and researchers more efficiently by being able to locate the relevant database in a short period of time. Also, if these sites can somehow link to our East Asian Collection Home Page, it will even be more useful for the students and researchers.b. Through this Training Program I was able to establish a good network of relationship with other Japanese information specialists overseas. This will, for example help making enquiries easier. Personal notesa. From my experience, I believe the system currently in place at the Sydney University Library appears just as good as those I observed in Japan if not superior. (Although I personally believe our system, just taking interlibrary loans system alone, is more efficient and effective) Obviously, the facilities of Kansai-kan of the National Diet Library is most impressive and cannot be compared to the libraries in Australia - an eye opening experience.b. After listening to a number of lectures at the Training Program, I learned the importance of presentation which I plan to apply to my readers education program. Lastly, I would like to express my thanks to the Sydney University Library for giving me the opportunity to attend the Training Program. |