On Friday, November 17, Keio University’s time-honored Mita Public Speaking Event was held at the Mita Public Speaking Hall (Mita Enzetsu-kan). This was the 705th time the event was held, and on this occasion, Professor Emeritus Masaya Takayama, former President of the National Archives of Japan, gave a lecture on Keio University and its libraries.
Professor Takayama began his talk by discussing Yukichi Fukuzawa’s thoughts on libraries and the university’s decision to construct the Old University Library. He explained that despite ideas to establish the Faculty of Engineering as part of Keio’s 50th anniversary, Keio decided to build a library which would make contributions across the university as well as society in general. He also spoke about the operation of the library from its construction to its reconstruction after the Second World War, incorporating stories about former directors and their policies. Professor Takayama concluded the lecture by commenting that it is possible to improve library services when the quality of the collections, facilities and equipment, librarians, and users become integrated.
The day was blessed with good weather and the hall was filled to capacity with Keio faculty and staff members, students, and the general public.