Osaka Prefectural Library : Central Library (中央図書館）

About the Central Library:

Opened in 1996, the Central Library is a part of the Osaka Prefectural Library.  The library also holds the largest number of book collections among Japan's public libraries. Also, it was the first building to apply Osaka's Community development / welfare course. As a result, the library provides a various supports for handicap users such as the audio OPAC and the barrier free building.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects different romanization system used by an individual institution.

Using the Library

Prior to the Visit: No Advance Inquiry and Preparation Required

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• Service Hours:
• Monday- Friday: 9:00 - 18:30
• Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays:  9:00 - 16:30

• Please place bookmark(s) on both beginning and end of the page.

• Please fill out Tosho fukusha mōshikomisho (図書複写申込書) with a ball point pen and submit to the library staff.

• Copy Fee:

Note: Please request for copying 30 minutes before closing. For copying from microfilms, please pick up copies next day. Some items cannot be copied.

Borrowing:

• A Library card (valid for 3 years) is required.  Applying for a library card requires the following:
• Those who apply for the Library card must live, work, or go to school in the Kinki district.
• lease present some form of ID showing name, address and the date of birth
• Please apply at the registration (登録 Tōroku) counter.

• Take the books, along with the library card, to the Checkout and Return counter on first floor (Materials from the AV Materials Room and the Children's Room are checked out from the each section of the counter).

• Up to 8 books (5 items for AV materials) for 3 weeks

• To renew books by telephone, please call within the 3-week loan period. However, the reserved materials cannot be renewed. In addition, renewing books can be done on website (password is required). For more detail, please ask the staff at the Registration (受付 Uketsuke) counter.

Note: Please make sure to take a book from the shelf 30 minutes before closing.

Accessing Closed Stack

• Please ask the staff on duty.

• Service Hours:
• Monday- Friday:  9:15 - 18:30
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 9:15 - 16:30

Accessing International Institute for Children's Literature

• Service Hours:
• Monday- Friday: 9:00 - 17:30
• Closed: Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), the second Thursday, the inventory period and New Years Holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan. 4)

Accessing Closed Stack 

Prior to the Visit:

• Please apply by phone and FAX (Please see the contact Information on the "Central Library" box). 

• Up to 10 items are allowed.

• A Rare book can only be viewed it's copy. Viewing the original one requires the other application process. For more detail, please ask the library.  Please apply by one week before the visit.

• For cancellation, please let the Library know by 2 days before the assigned day.

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• Service Hours: 9:00 - 16:30

• Please ask the library staff.

• The copy counter is located on the second floor.

• Some materials cannot be copied.

• Please place bookmark(s) on both beginning and end of the page.

• Please fill out fukusha mōshikomisho (複写申込書), with a ball point pen and submit to the library staff.

• Please be aware that sometimes the applicant has to wait for the next day for pick up.

• Copy Feet:

Accessing Manga and Magazines

Prior to the Visit:

• The following materials (Ｂ３３マンガ・ Ｂ３３マン文, Ｂ３１マン雑, Ｂ３４) takes the following access procedure.

• Please apply by phone and FAX (Please see the contact Information on the "Central Library" box).

• For FAX, the form should include the applicants name, address, phone number and date of the visit and types of materials such as name of the material(s), volumes and publication date (For example: マンガ、 1-10巻、2000.4-2006.3).

• Please apply by a day before the visit.

Upon Arrival:

• Please present some form of personal ID or the Library Card.

• Up to 10 items can be viewed at once.

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For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net