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Using the Collections

The National Diet Library (NDL) provides on-site library services including reading and photoduplication services at three facilities: the Tokyo Main Library, the Kansai-kan of the NDL, the International Library of Children's Literature (ILCL). The NDL also offers remote user services, which are available without visiting the NDL in person, such as online photoduplication requests or digital materials. User registration is necessary to use the materials in the closed stacks as well as online photoduplication requests.

For further information on on-site library services, please go to each facilities' website below.

  • Collections
    The holdings of the NDL are collected through the legal deposit system, purchase, exchange and donation. These collections are separately held in the Tokyo Main Library, the Kansai-kan and the ILCL.
  • Reference Service
    The NDL's international reference service is available to overseas institutions of Japanese studies and individuals who study subjects related to Japan.
    A resident of Japan requiring a reference service is advised first to consult a nearby public library or a university library. If answers cannot be found at the local library, you can ask them to send your reference to the NDL. The NDL does not accept online requests from people residing in Japan.
  • List of Online Services
    Databases and digital images of materials on the NDL website are available to anyone at any time.
  • Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Individuals
    The Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Individuals allows users to access NDL digitized materials that are out-of-print or otherwise difficult-to-obtain via the Internet from devices such as personal computers or smartphones. NDL's official registered users who reside in Japan are eligible for this service.
  • Using via Libraries
    It is possible for overseas users to read the NDL materials at their university libraries or other community libraries by taking advantage of the interlibrary loan service, provided that the conditions are met.
  • Using Bibliographic Data
    Please check "Terms of Use for Bibliographic Data" when using the bibliographic data from services provided by the National Diet Library.
  • List of API
    List of API provided by our services.
  • Utilizing the Contents
    If you wish to reproduce any item or any portion of any item (image, document, article, data, etc.) on the website of the NDL, (provided under the domain of "ndl.go.jp" or "kodomo.go.jp") by reprint, publication (including e-books, etc.), broadcasting, exhibition or posting on the website and any other medium, please complete the reproduction request form and send to us in advance.
  • Integration of the NDL Online and NDL Search web services
    The National Diet Library Online Search and Request Service (NDL Online) and NDL Search have been integrated and launched as a new NDL Search web service.

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