Functions
The Library Network is a university-wide organization aiming to develop infrastructure for academic research at Kyoto University, to promote and support university-wide projects, and to carry out other issues related to all the departments and organizations of the university. It is composed of individual libraries categorized into the following three functions: General Library, Area-Focus Hub Library, and Special Library. The function of the Library Network is being realized through the enhancement of each libraryʼs specific function and coordination and collaboration between them.
The General Library function is performed by the Main Library, which serves as the administration office of the Library Network. It administers affairs related to the Library Network, adjusts the university-wide library service functions, and plans and coordinates the improvement and the integration of the library service management. The Area-Focus Hub Library function is fulfilled by Yoshida-South Library and Katsura Library, both of which are tasked with the Special Library function, a basic library function realized by a library that has been established by a specific department operating it from the viewpoint of its field of expertise and the University-Wide Library Service function, which goes beyond the scope of its establishing department and develops and coordinates an organization for library service management throughout Kyoto University. The Special Library function is carried out by the other departmental libraries.
Organization
Serving as the deliberative body of the Library Network is the Library Network Board where the representatives from the universityʼs departments and organizations discuss and decide on issues regarding the organization and the management of the Library Network, the planning and the adjustment of library management, the collaboration and coordination between the Main Library and the other libraries, and the cooperation engagement with the Institute of Information Management and Communication (IIMC).
Under the Library Network Board, the Subcommittees formulate and carry out action plans on the issues of their specific domains and report their progress and achievement, while the Executive Committee evaluates these activities and conducts self-inspection and evaluation in accordance with improvement recommendations. The Research and Development Laboratory of the Main Library also plays an important role—that of developing new library functions and projects for the whole Library Network.
