Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Libraries (For Librarians)
This page introduces the necessary application procedure for foreign libraries. For libraries in Japan, please see the “図書館向けデジタル化資料送信サービス（図書館員の方へ）” page (in Japanese).
The Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Libraries (the Service) is provided by the National Diet Library, Japan (NDL) as a means of making digitized versions of out-of-print or otherwise difficult-to-obtain materials available to the general public at public or university libraries that subscribe to the Service.
The Service is provided under the provisions of the Copyright Law of Japan as stipulated in Paragraph 7, Article 31 and is operated under the terms of the Agreement on Limited Transmission of Digitized Contents to Libraries by the National Diet Library as compiled by the Stakeholder Council for Digitization and Use of Library Materials, which comprises organizations of copyright holders, publishers, and other interested parties in Japan.
Libraries that wish to subscribe to the Service should submit an application to the NDL for approval. This page introduces the application procedure for librarians.
Characteristics of the Service
- Your patrons are able to search and browse more than 2 million digitized materials in the NDL Digital Collections, including those that are not otherwise available via the Internet. The Service has two categories of usage: "Viewing only" and "Viewing and Printing". At the request of your patrons, libraries for "Viewing and Printing" may print digitized materials and provide the printed materials to your patrons.
- Includes many periodicals and old books that are not available via the Interlibrary Loan Service.
- You can use our materials without restriction of time for mailing or loan period.
Contents for transmission
See below for the current situation of digitized content available through the Service.
Current situation of digitized contents
Library patrons can find these materials by checking the "Available with Digitized Contents Transmission Service" check box on the National Diet Library Digital Collections search page.
Libraries subject to the Service
Institutions that can receive the Service are libraries, etc. or foreign institutions similar thereto prescribed in Article 31, paragraph (7) of the Copyright Law.
The requirements for foreign institutions are specifically stipulated under Article 1-6 of the Cabinet Order for Enforcement of the Copyright Law (Cabinet Order No. 335 of 1970).
Application procedure
Please submit the following documents by post. The documents should be sent to:
ILL-Section, Kansai-kan of the National Diet Library
8-1-3 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture, 619-0287 Japan
| Application form | |
|---|---|
| 1. A document showing that the library has been established and maintained by a government, a local government or a nonprofit organization | e.g., laws concerning the establishment thereof, statutes of school, articles of association |
| 2. A document showing that the library is engaged in making available to the public books, records, and other materials | e.g., library rules on use, management, or operation If not available, a printout of the website, annual report, or brochure is acceptable. |
| 3. A document showing that the library has one or more employees equivalent to certified librarians, etc. | "Employees equivalent to certified librarians" means that they have a qualification equivalent to librarians.
The corresponding qualifications are as follows:
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| 4. A document showing the library's current activities |
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| 5. A document showing the eligible users and the use of Transmitted Materials | If you have regulations that specify the details requested in this explanatory material, please submit them as well. If not, you may submit this material only. |
| 6. A picture and floor plan showing the layout of the reading room, the arrangement of seats with viewing terminals, and the location of library employees. | This is to certify that your library locates the viewing terminals and operating terminals for the Service at places under the supervision of employees in your library. |
| 7. A document showing the legality for the Service | This document must be executed by the relevant governmental authority or a qualified attorney-at-law. |
| 8. A document showing the viewing terminals and the network connecting them in the library | |
| 9. Agreement for the Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Libraries | The signature of your library's representative is required. |
* Before submitting documents, please contact us if you have any questions.
Changes to application information
In case of any changes in the information specified in the Agreement for the Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Libraries, please notify us thereof by electronic mail, etc. using the form for notification of changes.
FAQ
Here we answer your frequently asked questions about the Service.
Contact information
Please direct inquiries about the Service to the following address.
ILL-Section, Kansai-kan of the National Diet Library
8-1-3 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture, 619-0287 Japan
Email: digi-soshin