Kyoto University Library Network

About KU Libraries
Using KU Libraries
Opening hours
Using space for self-study
Find library resources
Borrowing a book
Returning a book
Copying documents
Ordering books and copies of materials
Visiting other university's library
FAQ
Contact Us

About KU Libraries

The Kyoto University Library Network is composed of the Main Library, also referred to as the University Library, and approximately 40 libraries of various faculties and research institutes. For details, please check List of KU Libraries.

Using KU Libraries

For Kyoto University members

• A library card is required to use the library. The library card can be used in all libraries and rooms on campus.
  You can use your IC card as your library card.
  If you do not have one, we will issue you a library card, so please inquire at your nearest library/room about the reception desk.
  ⇒For details, please refer to the types of library cards.
• To use the library's online services, you will need a library card, student account (ECS-ID), and faculty and staff groupware ID (SPS-ID).
  ⇒For details, please refer to the online service usage guide.

For non-KU users

• Please refer to the Service Guide for non-KU users & the List of KU libraries (for non-KU users).

Opening hours

Library hours vary from library to library. For details, please check the calendar.

Using spaces for Self-study

Please refer to the list of spaces for self-study and find a suitable area for your learning.

• There are various spaces where you can take online classes, have discussions, and use them in groups.
• Self-study spaces in some libraries and rooms can be reserved through MyKULINE.
• There is also a self-study space other than the library/library room.
  *Please contact the Career Support Center for web interviews and activities related to job hunting.

Find library resources

You can use KULINE (KU Libraries Catalog) to find books and periodicals held in the KU Libraries. Additionally, CiNii Books (National Union Catalog of Japanese universities and institutes) is another resource you can search. Furthermore, Electronic Journals and Bibliographic Databases are also available.
Please refer to Find Resources.

Borrowing a Book

• KU members can borrow books.
• When you borrow books, your library card is required.
• Some libraries have automatic check-out machines.
• Please return books in the loan period.
• In case you fail to return books by the due date, you might be penalized by losing borrowing privileges for a certain period.
• Policies on library service vary from library to library. Please check the List of KU Libraries for details.

Non-circulation materials

In principle, rare books, doctoral theses, reference books, periodicals, micro materials, and audio-visual materials are not available for borrowing.

Reserving a book

• In some libraries, a book out on loan can be reserved and used as soon as it is returned.
• In some libraries, we accept an online reservation. For information, check Information for reserving/renewing a book.

Renewing a book

• You can renew books in some libraries for one more loan period if no one else has requested it. Please apply at the Circulation Desk before your due date.
• In some libraries, we accept an online renewal. For information, check Information for reserving/renewing a book.

Returning a Book

• In principle, borrowed books should be returned to the library/room you borrowed them from.
• Books from libraries/rooms on other KU campuses can be returned to your local library/room.
  → Please refer to Requesting and Returning Books from Other Campuses.

Copying documents

• No more than one-half of a given publication may be copied.
• The complete text of an article or other item published in a periodical may be reproduced only after a certain time interval following its publication (typically three months after published, or after the next issue has come out).
• Only one copy can be made per person.
• Copying is permitted only for research purposes.
• Regardless of profit, you must not distribute or re-copy copyright materials.

* If you want to pay at public expense, please ask your affiliated library.
* Policies on library service vary from library to library. Please check the List of KU Libraries for details.

Ordering books and copies of materials

Order books from libraries/rooms on other KU campuses

• You can order books from other KU campuses to the library/room of your department.
• If you are a user with a disability that makes it difficult for you to move around, please contact your local library/room, as you can request items regardless of the distance.
  "Users with disabilities that make mobility difficult" include those who temporarily use crutches or a wheelchair due to an accident, etc.
• It will take about 1-2 days to arrive. In some cases, it may take longer.
• Please refer to Requesting and returning books from other campuses.

Order books from off-campus libraries

• If the university does not have the book you want, you can borrow it from domestic and international university libraries, the National Diet Library, specialized institutions, etc. (for a fee).
  Please follow the instructions of the lender when using the materials.
• Please refer to the following page for details.
  ⇒Library request service (ILL request) guide
  ⇒Library online services/List of libraries that apply for ILL requests