September 07, 2004
Similar, but not the Same
I visited San Francisco Public Library after work. It takes only five minutes from my accommodation.
I have reports to write both to JAIMS and to the company in Japan. It may be a good idea to have some time and place for them. At home, I tend to use up time for this blog.
A big entrance hall of the library was impressive. It reached to the top of the building. But other than that, the atmosphere was similar to that in Japan. Layout of shelves and desks were similar. The air smelt paper as well. Such an atmosphere may be universal.
However, it was not all the same. Especially, three differences stroke me. First, each desk had an electronic tap and an Internet connector for computers. Such service is not common in Japan. Some Japanese libraries even discourage us from using computers. Second, people left no personal belongings on desks when they went to shelves. In Japan, people sometimes leave pencils and electronic dictionaries. Finally, uniformed security officers guarded the gate. Libraries in Japan may also have officers. But they usually stay out of our sight.
Those differences seem to reflect cultural differences between the US and Japan. A library can be a good place to look at culture.
