The University of Tokyo: Main Library (東京大学総合図書館)

About the Library:

The main library is located on the Hongo Campus.  The library holds 1,204,232 books and 19,319 periodical titles (as of 2010).

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Collection Size (As of 2017):  

• Books: 1,285,461 volumes

• Periodicals: 21,503 periodical titles

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

The University of Tokyo Libraries are planning to build a new Asian Research Library with several thousand of selected materials from their extended Asian related resources.

Using the Library

Prior to the Visit: Advance Preparation Required

• Please verify that the desired material is available by using  UTokyo OPAC.

• Get a letter of Introduction (紹介状 Shōkaijō) from your home institution library. Please use the following form if your home institution does not have a formal letter of introduction template:
  • A letter of Introduction (Word,  PDF)

Upon Arrival:

• Please fill out the application form for a one day pass and present valid personal identification at the reception desk.

• A letter of Introduction allows a visiting researcher to use the library continuously for up to 2 weeks including Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

Photocopy:

• Please ask the circulation staff for procedures, cost, and any restrictions.

Photocopy:

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

• Please fill out an application form 文献複写申込書 Bunken fukusha mōshikomisho) and submit the form to the Photocopying Service Desk.

• For copying large Books (call numbers BA-BZ), fragile materials and materials published before 1900, please ask the staff at the counter for assistance.

• Copy Fee:
  • Black: 10 yen
  • Color: 50 yen

Note: For more information about photocopy, please read the "館内複写 (Photocopying) " section on the "General Library".

Accessing Closed Stack

• Please use the request form 館内閲覧用紙 available at the stack counter and write down the titles of the materials you wish to request and their call numbers.

• Up to 5 items are allowed at a time.

 Note: For more information about photocopy, please read the "Stack" section on the "General Library" page.

Accessing Rare Materials

Advance Inquiry and Preparation Required

Materials with call numbers that begin with  A00 for Japanese 和書, and A100 for Western 洋書 are housed in Special Collections. To view those collections, please make an appointment during the open hour (Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00) at least 3 days prior to your visit.

Service Hours: 9:00-17:00 on weekdays

Prior to the visit:

• Please locate the call numbers for the desired library materials.

• To apply by mail or fax, please fill out the "Application form for browsing rare books" (PDF) available at their webpage.

• Please send the form to:

   Reference Service Section,
   General Library,
   The University of Tokyo
   7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo,
   113-0033 Japan
   Fax: +81-(0)3-5841-2611

• Please apply in at least 3 days before you visit.

Note: For more information, please go to the "Rare books" page.

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

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

mlaguide@nccjapan.net