• How to Find and Check Out Library Materials
• About Magazines
• About Newspapers
• About Old Books and Documents Published Before 1945
• About the Facilities
• If you have questions on our services, collection, and information on Japan

 

Q. The material I am looking for is not in the book shelf on the first floor.

A.

Many of the library materials are in the closed stacks in the basement. If you want to read them, fill in the blue request slip and give it to the library staff. We will bring the materials to you.

 

Q. The material I am looking for is in the “outside storage.”

A.

It takes two to three days to bring materials from the outside storage. If you want to read them, call us (03-5369-6086) or e-mail us () prior to your visit so we will be able to have them ready for you.

 

Q. Can I reserve books?

A.

You can reserve newly-arrived books and books that are checked out. We will lay away the books on the day of your next visit. Ask the library staff for reservation. You can also make a reservation by phone or e-mail.

 

Q. Do I need to bring the books to the library to renew them?

A.

No. They can be renewed by phone or e-mail. Give us your ID number on your library card. Books can be renewed only once.

 

Q.

Can I read the books in the Libraries of Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa, and Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai? How do I search books in those libraries?

A.

Click “Japan Foundation Libraries Multi-Catalogue Search” to search books in the three libraries including JFIC Library.
Books from the Libraries of Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa and Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai can be brought here to read at the library, but they cannot be checked out. You can ask for those books by phone or e-mail.

 

Q. Can I check out magazines and audio-visual materials?

A.

Neither magazines nor audio-visual materials can be checked out. They can be used only at the library.

 

Q. Do I need to return books during the opening hours, or is there a return box?

A.

There is no return box, but books can be returned by mail.

 

Q. Is there a late charge?

A.

There is no late charge, but if you fail to return the books four weeks after the due date, you will not be able to check out books for one month.

 

Q. I live far from the library. Can I check out books by mail?

A.

We do not allow individuals to check out books by mail. If you order books through public libraries or your university or company libraries, we will mail the books to them. You will be responsible for the mailing cost. You can also order copies of our materials through libraries. It will cost 30 yen per sheet plus the postage.

 

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Q. Can I search magazine articles?

A.

Yes. Click “databases” in the library home page to see the list of magazine article databases. Some of the databases can be used only at the library. Ask the staff for details.

 

Q. Can I read electronic journals?

A.

Yes. You can read them on one of the computers in the library. You can also bring in your notebook computer to read them.

 

Q. Can I read back issues of the newspapers available on the first floor?

A.

Yes. We basically keep the newspapers for three months. Back issues are kept in the closed stacks in the basement. If you give us the name and the date of the newspaper, we will bring them to you.
We have the reduced edition of the Japan Times from 1979.

 

Q.

Can I take pictures of parts of the books published before 1945 and use them in exhibitions and publications?

A.

Yes, but you need to send us a “Request paper for special use of Japan Foundation Information Center Library collection.” Please include the name of the book, the purpose of the special use, your name, and your copyright responsibilities in the request paper. It takes several days to go through the office procedure and to respond. Ask the library staff for details.

 

Q. How can I search for Kokusai Bunka Shinkokai (KBS) documents?

A.

There is a list of these materials in the printed form. We plan to digitize these documents.

 

Q.

Can I use my own computer in the library?

A.

Yes. Using a wireless LAN, you can connect your notebook computer to the Internet anywhere in the library. However, you need to bring your LAN cards or cables because we do not have them. If you do not know how to use a wireless connection, please ask the staff. Some models of computers are not able to use such connection.

 

Q. Do I need to bring in my computer to use the Internet?

A.

No. The computer closest to the library counter can access the Internet. You can use it for no longer than 30 minutes. Sending and receiving e-mail is prohibited.

 

Q. Can I make color photocopies?

A.

There are only black-and-white copiers in the library. If you wish to make color photocopies, ask the staff.

 

Q. Can I bring in drinks to the library?

A.

You can bring in water in a plastic bottle with a lid, but you must be very careful not to spill it on the machines and library materials.

 

If you have questions on our services, collection, and information on Japan:

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