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Using via Libraries (Interlibrary Loan Service: ILL Service)

The NDL lends materials to institutions (libraries, university libraries, and other institutions) which the NDL has approved.

Individual users can use materials of the NDL in institutions approved by the NDL with this ILL Service.

Institutions which can borrow NDL materials

Institutions (public libraries, university libraries) which have applied to the User Registration System for Interlibrary Loan Services and been approved by the NDL.

Materials which the NDL can lend to other institutions

Generally speaking, the materials that the NDL lends out are in the following categories:

  • Japanese books acquired in 1969 or later
  • Foreign books acquired in 1948 or later

[Note] You cannot borrow materials which are in such bad condition that they cannot handle being transported, or rare books, materials of large size and reference books. Also, periodicals, newspapers and so on are not available to be borrowed.

Loan period

Institutions in Japan can borrow a material for up to one month, including the number of days required for transportation.

Institutions overseas can rent a material for up to one month, excluding the number of days required for transportation.

How to use the ILL service

The specifics of the ILL service of the NDL vary depending on the approved institution.

Therefore, inquire directly to the institution (ex. nearby public library, library of your university) which you would like to visit about the ILL service, including whether the institution provides the service.

*Overseas users are also able to use the ILL service of the NDL with the same procedure as in Japan. We would appreciate it if you could inquire of the institution which you would like to visit first whether the institution provides the ILL service of the NDL.

Limitation of using NDL materials

  • You can use borrowed materials from the NDL only within specified reading room in the building of the institution. You cannot take the materials out of the building of the institution, for example to your house.
  • In general, copying borrowed materials is not allowed. However, institutions in Japan which have obtained additional approval for photoduplication can copy them within the limitations of the copyright law of Japan.
    Inquire of the institution directly about whether the institution is allowed to copy materials.
    When institutions which have not been approved for photocopying would like to photocopy borrowed material, we require them to use our remote photoduplication service after returning it. Return the material to the NDL, and then apply to have a photocopy made.

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