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Help : Applying to read materials
Frequently asked questions
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- Q
- I have applied for materials from the NDL Search. What should I do next?
- A
- Tokyo Main Library
- It takes about 20–30 minutes for books or periodicals to arrive at the each counter. (It may take
longer, depending on circumstances.)
You will be able to see that your material has arrived via a user terminal or the order status terminal. After
confirming the correct counter, please bring your user card to that counter in order to receive your materials.
- Kansai-kan Library
- It takes about 15-20 minutes for books or periodicals to arrive at the counter. (It may take
longer, depending on circumstances.)
You will be able to see that your material has arrived via a user
terminal or the order status terminal. After confirming the correct counter, please bring your user card to the
counter in order to receive your materials.
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- Q
- I would like to confirm that my application has been successfully made.
- A
- You can check the status of your applications using NDL Search's "Request status" function.
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- Q
- I would like to confirm whether my materials have arrived.
- A
- Either from NDL Search's "Request status" function or by setting your card using the order status terminal, you can confirm whether your materials have arrived or whether your copies are ready to pick up.
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- Q
- After applying for materials in the closed stacks, how long will it take for
me to receive these?
- A
- Tokyo Main Library
- Requested books arrive at the Book Counter and periodicals arrive at the Periodicals Counter in
20-30 minutes. (It may take longer, depending on circumstances.)
- Kansai-kan Library
- Your books or periodicals will be ready in about 15–20 minutes. (It may take longer, depending on
circumstances.)
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- Q
- I have run out of time. Am I permitted to leave the Library while waiting on
materials I have applied for?
- A
- Tokyo Main Library & Kansai-kan Library
- You cannot leave the Library if you have borrowed materials or if you have made an application at
the print-out counter, but if you are simply waiting on materials you have applied for, you may leave the Library.
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- Q
- Can I cancel materials I have applied for and instead apply for other
materials?
- A
- It is not possible to cancel materials you have applied for. Upon receiving these materials at the
counter, we ask that you commence the return procedures.
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- Q
- How should I apply to view/listen to audiovisual materials?
- A
- When applying, in order to receive your materials you must first fill out the material title and
material request number on the Materials Request Form available in the Audiovisual Materials Room, then fill out
your name, contact information, and research objectives/research themes etc. on the Viewing Approval Form. The
materials will be available for viewing/listening at the designated seat in the Audiovisual Materials Room.
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- Q
- Why is a Viewing Approval Form required when applying to view/listen to
audiovisual materials?
- A
- The National Diet Library plays a role in the proper management of materials collected primarily by
the legal deposit system, and in preserving these materials for posterity as cultural assets of the Japanese
people.
Additionally, care must be taken in handling audiovisual materials, as these more vulnerable than paper documents.
These materials are generally more difficult to repair and there is a real risk that any deterioration or damage
may cause an inability to play back these materials.
For this reason, Article 27 of the National Diet
Library Rules Concerning the Use of Library Materials (Materials requiring the Viewing Approval) permits the
viewing of audiovisual materials only for the purposes of study or research.
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- Q
- Can I reserve materials before visiting the Library, and receive them
immediately upon entry?
- A
- Tokyo Main Library
- You cannot reserve materials. We ask that you make an application after entering the Library.
- Kansai-kan Library
- You may pre-book materials from the Kansai-kan Library's collection, which may be used on a
same-day basis without submitting a request.
For more information, please refer to "Reservation for reading
on-site" on "Services for registered users."
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