Kyoto University Library Network

The "JapanKnowledge" database is scheduled for a major system renewal on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Consequently, all services will be temporarily suspended during the period below.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

1. Overview of Service Suspension
　・Suspension Period: Friday, August 21, 2026, 22:00 – Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 [JST] (Scheduled)
　・Affected Services: All JapanKnowledge services (including JapanKnowledge Lib, Select Contents, JKBooks, and all related websites)
　・Impact: All JapanKnowledge features and functions will be unavailable during the period above.

2. Main Updates and Changes
Along with a complete overhaul of the interface design, some search functions and content specifications will be updated or changed.

① Improved Interface Design and Usability
・Interface Overhaul: The login page, top page, search results page, and other interfaces will be completely redesigned.
・Optimized Search Functionality & Navigation: System design will be optimized to provide a more intuitive and seamless search experience.
・Accessibility Support: The system will now support shortcut navigation for screen readers, voice readout for links and buttons, and notifications for status changes.

② Content Specification Changes and Discontinued Features
With this renewal, the "Knowledge Searcher" feature will be discontinued. In addition, individual search functions for certain contents will be modified or terminated as follows:

・Japan Company Handbook (Kaisha Shikiho): Individual search function will be discontinued / A new "Bookshelf feature" will be added.
・Encyclopedia of Japan: Individual search function will be terminated.
・Weekly Economist: Individual search function will be terminated.
・Que sais-je? (Bunko Que Sais-je): Individual search function will be terminated.

3. Detailed Information & FAQ
For specific details regarding the updates and frequently asked questions, please check the official information page below:
Information on the JapanKnowledge Renewal
https://japanknowledge.com/library/2026replace/

[E-Resources team, Kyoto University Main Library]

Main Library set July 9 (Thu.) to August 5 (Wed.), 2026 as the preparation period for the examination and will provide special services as follows.

1. 3F Library Hall is available as a study room

Hours are as follows:

• Weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 a.m. - 30 minutes before the closing time

2. Extension of hours on weekends and holiday (July 18-20, 25-26)

The library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following days.

• 7/18 (Sat.)
• 7/19 (Sun.)
• 7/20 (Mon.)
• 7/25 (Sat.)
• 7/26 (Sun.)

For details, please check the Main Library's hours.

3. For non-KU users (including graduates)

Please refrain from entering the library because it is crowded with KU students for the period.
Thank you for your cooperation.

* For service during regular period, please refer to the "Guide for non-KU users" on the Kyoto University Library website.

Main Library and Yoshida-South Library will hold the long term loan for summer holiday.
* Journals are not included.

 Periods

Main Library

• Open-shelf books: July 23 (Thu.) - September 21 (Mon.), 2026
• Stack room books: July 6 (Mon.) - September 4 (Fri.), 2026
  

Yoshida-South Library

• Books: July 23 (Thu.) - September 5 (Sat.), 2026
  * Faculty and Staff: Open-shelf only

 Due date

October 6 (Tue.), 2026

 Note

You are able to renew books were borrowed by long term loan for summer holiday after the periods.

Katsura Library will be temporarily open as follows (available only to KU-Users).

Temporary Opening Days & Hours

• July 18 (Sat): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• July 25 (Sat): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• August 1 (Sat): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Notes

• Only KU-Users are allowed to use Katsura Library on temporary opening days.
• The Group Study Rooms  and the Theater Room on the 1st floor will be available until 4:45 pm.
• The library will be closed on Sundays as usual. For more details, please refer to the library's opening calendar.

Contact

Katsura Library
E-Mail: 090stosho at mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp
TEL: 075-383-2344

 Poster

Yoshida-South Library launch the "Thesis writing support campaign".
The campaign will include an exhibition featuring a list of books useful for writing theses and dissertations, as well as an exhibition of actual theses written by senior students.【Exhibition】"Useful resource handouts"
【Exhibition】"Actual theses written by senior students"
【Exhibition】"List of books useful for writing theses and dissertations"
We are also streaming the video "How to Collect Materials for Writing Reports & Theses" in the library lobby.
Don't miss it!

[Contact]
Yoshida-South Library
TEL: 075-753-6525,6524
a30yslib(at)mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp
※Please convert (at) to @