Mr. Minamino, gave us an introductory lecture of the Nara National Museum.
Recently they have made efforts on developing digital resource of their collection with high vision image system, and upgrade their homepage. They offer online version of the Museum research journal for free access. They have placed a small library in the corner of the entrance level of the museum with a reference service for public users by providing basic art reference materials. I have observed their efforts to attract more younger visitors by offering educational information about Buddhist art in Nara.
Nara National Museum's Art Library: Ms. Kazu, librarian, gave us a tour of the library and the storage area. They hold most of materials published in Japan related to Japanese art and Buddhist art, manuscripts, and documents reports of restoration of temples. They have a very extensive collection of photos of Buddhist art and architectures. The library is open to public.
[Prepared by Keiko Yokota-Carter.]
