Guidelines for Library Services

Reservation for Materials

• Readers do not need to make appointments to use materials in the regular collections of Toyo Bunko. However, if you want to use Rare Books, you need to make a reservation ahead of time.
• Reservations for regular collections are also available.
• Appointments should be made online. Please check the following table and make an appointment by 15:00 at least two business days before you plan to visit Toyo Bunko.

Procedures for Using the Library

• First time visitors are requested to fill out an “Application for Using the Library” form and must present the application along with their identification document.
• You can fill out the application form on the day you visit the Library, or you can download and fill out the form before you come to the Library.

• From the second visit on, please present your identification document, Reader’s Card (if you have one), or “Friends of Toyo Bunko” membership card (if you are a member).
  *For those interested in becoming “Friends of Toyo Bunko,” please refer to the guide.

● Identification Cards

• The Identification card should have the individual’s name and address. We accept the following as forms of identification: Student ID card, driver’s license, health insurance card, residence card (zairyu card), and passport.
• Those who have “Friends of Toyo Bunko” cards do no need to present other forms of identification. “Friends of Toyo Bunko” members should add their membership number to the “Application for Using the Library” and show their membership card when they use the Library.

● Reader’s Card

• You do not need to obtain a Toyo Bunko Reader’s Card if you present your ID.
• For users who wish to apply for a Toyo Bunko Reader’s Card, please ask a researcher from the university or research institute with which you are affiliated to provide an introduction. Since the application requires the seal of the individual who has provided the introduction, you should download the application form before your visit and ask the person to fill out the “Referrer” fields at the bottom of the form.
• If the person who is applying for a Reader’s Card is affiliated with a university or research institute, then s/he does not need an additional introduction.
• “Friends of Toyo Bunko” members who wish to hold a Reader’s Card do not need an introduction. Please present your membership card at the Circulation Desk and make the request.
• The Reader’s Card is good for one year. Please return the expired card.
• To request an extension, please present your Reader’s Card at the Circulation Desk.
• Please inform us when there are changes in the information on your Reader’s Card.

Cautionary Notes

• You can bring notebooks, writing materials (pencil only, please) and a personal computer into the reading room; However use of smart phones and tablets in the reading room is not allowed.
• If you want to bring your own dictionaries or reference works into the reading room, please inform the Circulation Desk when you enter the room.
• Please leave other personal possessions in one of the lockers outside the reading room; you will need to insert a ¥100 coin to use the locker, but the coin will be returned when you leave.
• You can freely use the reference works that are shelved in the reading room. When you finish using one of the reference works, please place it on one of the book trucks. Do not return it to its original place on the shelves.
• You may not eat or drink in the reading room and the rest room.

Library Regulations

• Toyo Bunko has an official set of regulations for using the Library. You can find a copy of the regulations on the following page.

Services for Reproduction

• To make a request for reproduction of materials, please fill out the “Request for Reproduction Services” form and present the form, together with the materials, to the Circulation Desk.
• Requests for reproduction can also be made by submitting the request form by mail, fax, or e-mail (through the contact form).
• When making a request for reproduction of rare book items, please submit “Request for Reproduction of Special Materials” form below.