Abstract: The Japanese Library Law was passed in 1950. From 1950s to the early 1960s, public libraries
in Japan remained in a depressed condition like pre-war times. The Management of Public Libraries in
Medium and Small Cities published in 1963 proposed specific methods and standards for operation of
public libraries in medium and small cities whose population ranged from 50 000 to 200 000. That report
was endorsed by the Japanese Library Association. The Hino City Library was constructed and developed
according to the report. Success was achieved and the impact spread all over Japan. The report negated
some old library concepts, provided concrete practical methods, and mobilized young librarians in Japan. It
was a landmark document of Japan’s post-war public library movement. Aliyama Takashi, former secretary
general of the Japan Library Association, was a key figure to the report.

Key words: The Management of Public Libraries in Medium and Small Cities, Japanese Library Law, Aliyama Takashi, Public libraries, Japan