How to use the NDL International Loan Service

The holdings of the NDL are in principle available only within the library buildings because of its duty to preserve publications produced in Japan. But there is a way to read a book in the NDL collection without visiting the Library ---- you can use our interlibrary loan services.

ILL services are carried out between the NDL and libraries and research organizations inside and outside Japan, so that individual users can have access to the materials through nearby libraries.

The international lending service started in 1960 to promote international use of materials as advocated by IFLA.

Compared with using photoduplication services, through interlibrary loan you can use materials in the original form at lower cost. When the library lends its holdings outside, however, it is running a risk that the item (perhaps out of stock or print and unavailable now) may be damaged or lost, especially in the case of international lending where a book must travel far and be a long time in transit. In fact, some books were lost and some books were damaged last year. It may often be difficult to be clear where the responsibility for an accident lies.

Therefore, more restrictions are imposed on the interlibrary loan services than on photoduplication services. Please understand if your loan requests are not filled because of the Library rules.

The following are excerpts from "Rules Concerning International Use of Library Materials in the NDL" When you borrow books, please handle them carefully, keeping the Library rules.

Materials not Loanable

1.Rare and precious materials*, deposited documents, reference books, pamphlets, serial publications, audio / visual records, and microforms.

2.Materials difficult to transfer, and materials liable to loss or damage (Books more than 34 cm. in height are included in this category).

3.Materials which the Librarian considers it improper to lend

* Along with the materials designated as precious books, the items the Library's predecessors received before 1948 (the year of establishment of the Library) are not loanable.

Number of Volumes to be Lent

The number of volumes to be lent shall be not more than ten including unreturned volumes.

Period of Loan

The period of loan shall be a maximum of one month exclusive of the time required for transportation. However, the period may be extended or curtailed if the Librarian considers it necessary to do so.( Please let us know when you wish to have an item longer than one month)

Procedure for Loan, etc.

Libraries that wish to borrow materials from the NDL should make the request using the NDL Request Form for Loan / Photoduplication, IFLA International Loan / Photocopy Request Form, or any other forms similar in content to the above.

Materials to be lent will be sent by registered airmail at the expense of the NDL.

Procedure for Return, etc.

Borrowed materials should be returned by registered airmail at the expense of the borrowing library.

In returning the materials, the borrowing library should follow the directions set forth by the NDL with regard to packaging, etc.

Care and Use of Borrowed Materials

The borrowing library should treat the borrowed materials with the care of a good custodian.

The borrowed materials should be used within in the library only and photocopying is not permitted.

Loss or Damage Incurred on Borrowed Materials

When the borrowing library receives an item in damaged condition, or causes loss or damage to it while in its keeping, or discovers loss or damage when returning it to the NDL, the library should immediately notify the NDL.

When a borrowed item is lost or damaged between the time of receipt and return, the borrowing library should provide the NDL with an appropriate replacement copy or make compensation for the loss or damage in accordance with the policy of the NDL.

Thank you for your kind attention and cooperation!