Library and Information Science

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to clarify how social participation among older adults is being realized in public libraries by analyzing the actual activities of the “Essay Group,” which was independently formed by participants in a program specifically designed for older adults by the Hachioji Central Library. Furthermore, through this analysis, the study aims to examine the role of public libraries in fostering and supporting social participation among older adults.

Methodology: Fieldwork was conducted during the Essay Group’s meetings, with participant observation and audio recordings employed as data collection methods. Using the ethnomethodological approach, the collected data were analyzed to understand the actual interactions that occurred during the group’s discussions.

Findings: The analysis revealed that discussions during the meetings of the Essay Group were initiated and developed through a broad concept of “knowledge sharing,” facilitated by the presentation of essays that went beyond the scope of mere literature reviews. An interactional analysis of the meeting dynamics demonstrated that the participants not only exchanged their individual knowledge but also engaged in imagining scenarios outside their personal experiences and reconciling conflicting perspectives. Furthermore, the findings highlight the pivotal role of public libraries in fostering social participation among older adults by designing programs that provide “initial triggers for engagement,” “opportunities for building social connections,” and “opportunities that allow for autonomous activities.” These findings underscore the potential of public libraries to serve as essential spaces for fostering and supporting the social participation of older adults.