Frequently asked questions : Library loan

Here we answer frequently asked questions from librarians to the National Diet Library.

Frequently asked questions

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Q
If our library would like to borrow NDL holdings, what should we do?
A
Please obtain approval by applying to join the interlibrary loan system.
For more details on conditions of joining and types of materials that can be borrowed, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
To use the loans service for materials, are any procedures required in advance?
A
Please obtain approval by applying to join the interlibrary loan system.
For more details on conditions of joining and types of materials that can be borrowed, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
Are there any precautions when using materials I have borrowed?
A
Materials can be used only in the library's Reading Room where they were borrowed. Please be aware that materials cannot be taken out of the library or lent to users.
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
Does the lending service cost anything?
A
You are liable only for the delivery costs when returning materials. The National Diet Library will pay the delivery costs when sending loaned materials to you.
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
For how long can I borrow materials?
A
The lending period is one month. This includes the number of days required for mailing back and forth. Please return these materials such that they arrive back at the library (indicated on the upper section of the loan slip inserted into your borrowed items) by the due date (also indicated on the loan slip).
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
Can I extend the return deadline for borrowed materials?
A
You cannot extend the return deadline. If you wish to continue using an item, you should first return the item, wait about one week, then apply once more to borrow the item. (This excludes users with visual disabilities)
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
I have applied to borrow more than one item, but I received these items separately. Why is this?
A
The main reasons are indicated below:
  • Loan materials may have been sent out from the respective holdings of different libraries (the Tokyo Main Library, the Kansai-kan Library, or the International Library of Children's Literature). In the case that multiple copies of an item are kept in the various holdings, the Kansai-kan Library's collections will be used as far as possible.
  • For some applications, the Library needs to conduct examinations that may take some days to complete. Items that are ready earlier will be received earlier. Materials from the same library’s holdings may be returned together, as long as all return deadlines are met.

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Q
Can any sort of materials be borrowed?
A
Serial periodicals such as newspapers and magazines, items published a long time ago, and items such as rare books cannot be borrowed. Please refer to the National Diet Library Handbook for Library Support (in Japanese) for "貸出制限資料群一覧 (Guidelines on Borrowing Restrictions.)"
In some cases, loans of materials that do not appear on the list may be restricted for reasons of damage or deterioration.

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Q
How many items can I borrow at one time?
A
A total of 10 publications at one time from any Library holdings, including the Tokyo Main Library, the Kansai-kan Library, and the International Library of Children's Literature. (This total also includes any unreturned books).
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
I have damaged a borrowed item. What should I do?
A
If you discover damage that was not present when you received the item, do not attempt to repair the item. Please contact us immediately.
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."

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Q
If I am unable to apply for a document displayed as "In Use" in NDL Search, is it possible to reserve this item?
A
You cannot reserve for lending or copying. Please apply once the item becomes available on NDL Search.

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Q
If after applying to borrow materials I then become unable to borrow them, how should I contact the Library?
A
If for some reason your loan application is not approved, we will notify you of this via as indicated below:
  • If the request has applied by the NDL Search, notification will be sent by email.
  • If the request has applied by mail or fax, notification will be sent by mail or email.
Your loan application is constantly displayed on the NDL Search "Status" screen. If the display has disappeared or if neither the loaned materials nor a notification of inability to loan has arrived within 10 days, please inform the Kansai-kan Library of it.
For more details, please refer to "International Loan Service."
  • Public Services Division, Kansai-kan
    E-mail:ill-secat n d l dot g o dot j p

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Q
After applying to borrow materials, can I subsequently cancel my application?
A
If cancellation is necessary, please contact the Kansai-kan Library as soon as possible. If preparation work has started, the application cannot be canceled.
  • Public Services Division, Kansai-kan
    E-mail:ill-secat n d l dot g o dot j p

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Q
I am unable to apply for a certain item, since it is displayed as "In Use" or "Binding In Progress" on the NDL Search "Collection Details" screen. What should I do?
A
If the NDL Search Collection Details screen is displaying either "In Use" in the usage column or "Binding In Progress" in the "Notes on Use" column, it is not possible to apply for the material (even if applying via some means other than NDL Search). When the materials are ready to use, the "In Use" or "Binding In Progress" message will disappear, and you may apply for the materials. In the case of binding, this may take around six months.

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Q
Is it possible to check the status of my application using NDL Search?
A
You can check " Status" at the top of the NDL Search screen.
Please also be aware that duration of display and timing of erasure etc. have been set separately for each item of information displayed here. For more details, please refer to the assistance for each item.

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Q
I am a librarian using the interlibrary loan service. Wouldn’t it be better to simplify the packing used when mailing materials? It's difficult to ensure exactly the same packing conditions when returning materials.
A
There have been many cases where corners of materials have been damaged in the mail due to insufficient packing, or where carefully packed materials survived mailing accidents intact despite their packaging being damaged.
The National Diet Library re-uses its packing materials, at a far lower cost than packing materials used for normal home deliveries. The Library has an obligation to preserve its collection items (which are cultural assets of the Japanese people) over the long term, to be used in the future.
Even when they are allocated to various libraries, we do our utmost to ensure the best for the Library’s collection items when they are being returned. We ask for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

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Q
How do I apply to borrow Braille books or large-print books?
A
The interlibrary loan system may be used to borrow Braille and large-print books. If your lending library has already subscribed to the interlibrary loan system, no special procedures are required. The lending period and maximum number of items borrowed are no different at all from regular items. (One month, 10 items)
Reading of these materials is restricted to within the lending library. Please be aware that users cannot use these items in their own homes.

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Q
Our library would like to copy borrowed materials.
A
The borrowed materials will not be copied or duplicated by any means. Please return the material to us and apply for Remote photoduplication service.

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