Okayama University Library Showcases Research Support at National Conference

On October 21-22, 2025, Okayama University Library participated in the 11th Annual Conference of the Research Administration Association held at Kumamoto Castle Hall. Approximately 800 professionals from various universities gathered to share insights and exchange information on research administration practices across Japan.

The library's presentations focused on enhancing research support through two key initiatives:

1. Building Open Access between Researchers and URA: This poster presentation described collaborative efforts between the library and the University Research Administration (URA) to support open access initiatives. With the upcoming mandatory open access requirement for competitive research funding from 2025, this collaboration aims to facilitate immediate open access (OA) to research outputs. By utilizing transformative agreements, direct support for Article Processing Charges (APC), and an academic repository system, they have developed matching tools to provide researchers with optimal support tailored to their needs.

- Research Support Initiative Overview

2. Digital Humanities Research Data Support: The second presentation highlighted the library's commitment to supporting digital humanities by introducing a digitalization studio named ‘Denden’. Established in March 2025, the studio focuses on digitizing physical research materials, developing IIIF-compliant digital archives, and adhering to the FAIR principles for data accessibility. This initiative aims to bolster research activities in the humanities and contribute significantly to advancements in the digital human sciences.

- Digital Humanities Support Overview

In addition to these highlights, the conference showcased the importance of continuous evolution in research support systems and presented an opportunity for libraries to share successful strategies. Okayama University Library remains committed to enhancing its research support services, which will ultimately strengthen academic research capabilities within the region.

The conference provided an excellent platform for dialogue among research administrators from all over Japan. Participants engaged in discussions on various aspects of research administration, reaffirming the vital role libraries play in fostering academic growth and innovation.

Moving forward, Okayama University Library is dedicated to further improving its support structures and is confident that these initiatives will significantly benefit the research community. As a core institution of regional innovation and unique academic endeavors, the library encourages continued engagement and collaboration within the academic community.

The Future of Research Support Initiatives

As the world moves towards increased openness and accessibility in research, the library’s strategies are set to evolve in response. With the rise of online academic resources and collaborative research, libraries will play a critical role in ensuring that researchers can navigate these complexities effectively. The establishment of 'Denden' and ongoing collaboration with the URA are just two examples of how Okayama University Library is positioning itself at the forefront of these advancements.

For more information on these initiatives and other activities, you can visit the following resources:

As Okayama University continues to align its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it reinforces its position as a leader in fostering educational and research excellence in Japan. As they progress, stakeholders and community members can look forward to impactful developments that will shape the future of research and knowledge dissemination.