Kyoto University Library Network

The Shijing is the oldest collection of Chinese poetry, comprising 305 pieces. While it has been read through the ages as a canonical text for teaching Confucian morality, it also contains—perhaps surprisingly—a great many poems of pure, romantic love.
We are pleased to invite Professor Kozo Kawai, a leading authority on classical Chinese poetry, to join us:

"The Uninhibited Songs of the Ancients: Re-reading the Classic of Poetry (Shijing)"
* This event will be held in Japanese.
* This event is open to KU members only.

In the first part, Professor Kawai will discuss his own research.
In the second part, we will hold a reading session focusing on several poems from the Shijing. 
The session will begin with an exposition by Professor Kawai, followed by a discussion among the participants as they explore and appreciate the poems.
Rather than asking what the "correct" answer is, let’s each come up with our own—perhaps rather arbitrary—interpretations.

Why not explore the true essence of the Shijing through a fresh, unconventional interpretation, unconstrained by tradition?

Registration is required for the second part. Please see the event overview below.

Event Overview

・Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

・Venue: Learning Commons, 1st floor, Main Library

・Speakers:
　Kozo Kawai, Professor Emeritus [Profile]
　(Moderator) Bunri Usami, Specially Appointed Professor (Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability) [Profile]

・Eligibility: Open to university members only; priority given to students

・Event Details:
　[Part 1] Lecture (30 minutes) – 30 seats available (standing room also open). No registration required; please simply arrive at the venue.
　[Part 2] Book/Reading Discussion (1 hour) – Limited to 10 participants. Registration required; please sign up via the participation form:
　　Participation Form: https://forms.gle/VEmyB8XYDCJMW2DY7

　* Registration deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
　* Registered participants will receive the poem to be discussed, along with supplementary materials featuring commentary by Professor Kawai. Please review these in advance and prepare your own interpretation.
　* Those who have not registered are also welcome to attend as observers. We look forward to seeing you there.

・Organizer: Kyoto University Main Library

・Contact: 
User Support Division, Kyoto University Main Library
E-mail: user-support-full660 [at] mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Trial access to ebooks is now available on “Maruzen eBook Library” (for Kyoto University members).

Maruzen eBook Library contains over 115,000 Japanese ebook titles representing a broad range of academic subject matter.

During the campaign, you can preview each title for up to 5 minutes.

Contact:
Acquisition and Cataloging Section, User Support Division, Main Library
shiryoseibi660 [@] mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

The following event will be held at Main Library.

Consider My Global Career ~OECD~

• Date & Time: October 8, 2026 12:15-13:15
• Subject: Kyoto University students
  * For those interested in working for international organizations
• Agenda:
  • Overview of the OECD and Career
  • Q&A
• Speaker:
  • Josée Touchette, Executive Director
• Language: English
• Venue: Library hall, 3rd floor, Main Library
  * Online (Zoom) available.
• More details: https://www.career.gakusei.kyoto-u.ac.jp/events/evnt/20261008/

In collaboration with this event, we hold the special exhibition in front of Learning Commons of Main Library.
It introduces books and eBooks related to "Career Design", "Global Career", and "OECD Activities".

• Period: October 1 (Thu) - 15 (Thu), 2026
• Exhibition book list (printed only)
   (KULINE > Library Service > Special Exhibition > Main Library)

During the following period, air conditioning work will be performed in Study Room 24 and the Rare Books Reading Room.

The rooms will be unavailable for Selected dates during the period. (Including nighttime hours)
Additionally, the air conditionings will be unavailable on days when the rooms are open.

We apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your understanding.

Construction period

October 13th (Tue) - 30th (Fri), 2026
No Entry Period: October 13th (Tue) - 20th (Tue), 30th (Fri)

* On the final day (the 30th), Study Room 24 will open as soon as construction is completed.

Privacy Booth for one person is newly available on the 3rd floor!
Please use it for online meetings, online interviews, etc.

• Place: Main Library, 3rd Floor, Reading Room (South Side; across from Common Study Room No.4)
• Eligible users: Only KU-members
• Time limit: within 3 hours (Until 30 minutes before the closing time)
• How to use:
  1) Reserve through KULINE Room Reservation system from 1 week in advance.
  2) Come to the library counter. The staff will lend out the key.
  3) The key must be returned 10 minutes before the end of use.