Astronomy Libraries Reimagined for Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data
Abstract
As astronomy evolves into a profoundly data-intensive and interdisciplinary field, astronomy libraries are undergoing a transformative shift aligned with the vision of Society 5.0—a human-centered society that integrates cyberspace and physical space through advanced technologies. No longer limited to curating books and journals, these libraries are emerging as critical infrastructures for data stewardship, digital scholarship, and collaborative scientific engagement. This paper reimagines the role of astronomy libraries within the Society 5.0 framework, emphasizing their contributions to open science, equitable knowledge dissemination, and innovation-driven research. Through case studies and expert perspectives, we examine how astronomy libraries are leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualization, and virtual observatories to enhance user-centered services and foster inclusive access to knowledge. By bridging the realms of space, science, and data, astronomy libraries are not only preserving the astronomical record but also catalysing scientific discovery and societal progress in an increasingly interconnected world.
Full text
Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0 Bridging Space, Science and Data Library SARAO Hartebeesthoek, Gauteng. South Africa LISA X, November 3-7, 2025. Santiago de Chile. Glenda Coetzer & Marisa Nickola Contact details: [email protected]
Introduction Key milestones in library history Traditional role and functions of scientific libraries Reimagining libraries in Society 5.0 Relevance for astronomy libraries Technologies New trends in service delivery in astronomy libraries Challenges libraries face Prospects of astronomy libraries Imagining near-future astronomy libraries Astronomy libraries beyond 2075 How do we get there? Conclusion Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data Next up: Introduction Outline … or space travel
Introduction Spaces for Learning Libraries offer environments conducive to education and intellectual growth Community Hubs Libraries serve as central meeting places for scientific engagement Information Repositories Libraries store and provide access to vast collections of resources Libraries: Linking People to Resources and Knowledge Next up: Traditional Role of Astronomy Libraries Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data
Next: Traditional Role and Functions of Scientific Libraries Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data Key Milestones in Library History
Traditional Role and Functions of Scientific Libraries Information access and curation Data management and stewardship Research support and collaboration Reference and advisory services Curation Service Info Digital scholarship & computational support Teaching and learning Open science and publishing Preservation and archiving Impact and metrics Technology integration Community and outreach Next up: Key Milestones in Library History Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data … and so much more!
Reimagine Libraries in Society 5.0 Reimagining Libraries (ReIL): advocates for thoughtful fusion of enduring library values, e.g., stewardship, equity, access, with emerging technologies, ensuring that libraries evolve as inclusive, future-ready infrastructures (Bidwe, 2024). Next: Relevance for Astronomy Libraries Society 5.0: is a human-centered vision of societal advancement which integrates cyberspace and physical space through emerging technologies (Japanese Cabinet Office, 2025). Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data
What is the Relevance of this for Astronomy Libraries? Shift from curating print to data stewardship (management of vast multiwavelength datasets) Building robust metadata ecosystems,PIDs and FAIR/CARE-aligned data services Transforming libraries into intelligent platforms for automated classification, semantic search Become hubs for open access, reproducibility and collaborative research Become human-centred, cyber-physical integration-libraries, connecting people and information Become partners in scientific discovery and innovation Providing modern tools to improve data discovery, analysis and sharing Next: Technologies Reimagining libraries means that libraries: Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data
Next: New Trends in Service Delivery Technologies Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Integrated into libraries to improve operational efficiency (automate tasks) and user services, e.g. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants (Hughes & Sutherland, 2020) Virtual and Augmented Reality VR enables user immersion in digital environments, such as training and exhibits. AR are being used to enhance exhibits by providing interactive information regarding resources (blending physical and digital worlds) Internet of Things (IoT) IoT used for managing library collections, tracking materials, optimising user experiences, e.g., RFID tags used for monitoring library environments, providing personalised services and smart kiosks Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data
Open Science & Open Data Services Integration with Virtual Observatory (VO) Infrastructure Research Data Management (RDM) & Stewardship AI & ML Tool Support Enhanced Discovery Systems & Metadata Services Visualisation & Immersive Technologies Support Support for Preprints & Rapid Dissemination Services Collaborative Research Environments Scientometric & Bibliometric Services Some New Trends in Service Delivery Next: Challenges Astronomy Libraries Face Reimagining Astronomy Libraries in the Age of Society 5.0: Bridging Space, Science and Data