LibGuides: Resource Sharing Committee: ILL Tips

Tips for Successful ILL Requests

Accessing Japanese language resources using interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery (DD) services can be very challenging. This page will give you helpful tips to ensure your ILL requests at your own library are set for a successful transaction. Providing a verifiable source of reference is extremely important because most ILL staff members are not fluent in Japanese and unfamiliar with Japanese publications. They rely on unique record identifiers to locate the items that you request.

If you are affiliated with a North American institution, search first in OCLC WorldCat to find North American libraries that own a copy of the item you are looking for. Find the permalink (unique identifier) for the item and quote the link / identifier on the ILL request form. Note OCLC permalinks can be used for ILL requests for items housed in the National Diet Library (NDL) as WorldCat contains NDL records.

If the item you are seeking is only available in Japan, search in CiNii Books and find the permalink there for the item to be cited on the ILL request form.

See below for more detailed instructions.

Finding Permalink in OCLC WorldCat for Your ILL/DD Requests

1. Go to WorldCat (https://www.worldcat.org)

2. Search for the item you need

3. Open the record and copy the URL in the browser address bar and paste it on your ILL request form. This will enable ILL staff members to locate the correct record of the item you are requesting. The URL can also be copied by clicking on the link icon. Alternatively, the unique identifier ("OCLC number") can be copied from the bibliographic record itself.

Record URL found in the address bar and the permalink icon

OCLC number found in the bibliographic record. Click on the "Show more information" link.

Finding Permalink in CiNii Books for Your ILL/DD Requests

1. Go to CiNii Books (https://ci.nii.ac.jp/books)

Click on the "Advanced Search" button to extend the search box view as you see below.

2. Search for the record of the item you need. Use keywords in Japanese or search using katakana or hiragana. When using katakana or hiragana, divide the words as you romanize.

In Japanese: 前川国男　コスモスと方法
In katakana: マエカワ　クニオ　コスモス　ト　ホウホウ
In hiragana: まえかわ　くにお　こすもす　と　ほうほう

When the result appears, click on the link to see the full record.

3. In the full record display, copy the URL in the browser address bar and paste it on your ILL request form. This will enable ILL staff members to locate the correct record of the item you are requesting. The unique identifier can also be copied from the bibliographic record in the right-hand column.

Record URL used as a permalink

CiNii ID found in the bibliographic record