Research Library
Using the Library

• Research Library
• Using the Library
• Contact & Visit Information
• Pathfinder - Guide to Scholarly Resources for Western Art Research (Only in Japanese)
• Library Catalogue

• Procedure for Using the Library (for first-time users)
• Hours
• Reservation
• Requests of Users
• Services

Procedure for Using the Library (for first-time users)

The Library is open to researchers in the field of Western art history or other disciplines from the following categories. Please apply using the form for reservations to use the library and present ID (employee card or student ID card for example) when you arrive at the Research Library.

1. Museum staff members
2. University faculty members, staff at research institutes, or librarians
3. Masters course or higher students in graduate studies programs
4. Those approved by the museum director

By no later than five days before you wish to use the library, please look up the materials you want to use by searching the NMWA Research Library Catalogue, and proceed to apply from the “New Users: Reservation to use the library and access specific materials” reservation form. You may request to access up to five items. The library will contact you after confirming the details of your application.

Even if you do not fit categories 1-3, you may apply to use materials in our collection that you need for your research if our library is the only one holding them in Japan. (That exception also includes cases in which using another institution’s library would be extremely difficult) In completing the “New Users: Reservation to use the library and access specific materials” reservation form, please provide a detailed explanation of your purpose in using the materials (e.g., your research topic or study content).

* For the procedure for filling in the “New Users: Reservations” reservation form, see here (in Japanese only).

NMWA Research Library Reservation Form (external site)

Hours

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 to 17:00 （Appointment required）*Entrance accepted until 16:30
except holidays

For more details, see Library Schedule

Reservation

Those who already have a member’s card are also required to make a reservation each time they use the library. You will need the email address and password that were registered when your member’s card was made in order to log in.

If your member’s card has expired, please make your reservation from the “New Users: Reservation” Because members’ cards expire at the end of each fiscal year, you will need to repeat the registration procedure at the beginning of each new fiscal year.

Those who request materials in advance

By no later than five days before you wish to use the library, please look up the materials you want to use on the NMWA Research Library Catalogue, and proceed to apply from the “Members Only: Reservation for materials” reservation form. You may request access to up to five items. The library will contact you after confirming the details of your application.

Those who do not need to request materials in advance

Apply to make a reservation to use the library by noon on the day before you wish to visit, using the “Members Only: Reservation for seats” reservation form. Your reservation will be made when you apply.
Please be aware that an item that, using the NMWA Research Library Catalogue, you confirmed to be in our collection when making your reservation may not be available if doing so would impede other operations, the item is damaged, or its condition prohibits its use. In addition, some materials must be requested in advance. Please see the “Services” section for details.

* Before coming to the library, please check the Requests of Users.

* For the procedure for filling in the “Members Only: Reservation for materials” reservation form, see here (in Japanese only).

NMWA Research Library Reservation Form (external site)

Requests of Users

To minimize the need to make change, please bring a ¥100 coin for the locker (refunded when you leave) and coins for the coin-operated photocopying machines. (¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500 coins are accepted.)
Bring pencils and other writing materials for filling in various forms.
Please wash your hands and disinfect your fingers before entering the library. An alcohol dispenser is available at the entrance.

Services

Reading

• To use materials from the closed stacks, please fill in the reading request form and provide it with your call slip. A maximum of five items can be requested at one time.
• Your requested material may not be available if providing it would impede other operations, the item is damaged or soiled, or it is otherwise not suitable for use.
• Requests for the items in the closed stacks are accepted from 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30.

Photocopy

• You may request photocopies of materials (except for the NMWA Collection File) for your own studies or research only. Please make copies under a staff’s direction.
• Fill out the photocopy request form. You may request, at one time, copies from five volumes and a maximum total of fifty copies.
• Copying service types and fees: General copying (black and white, ¥10 a page), coin operated copying (black and white, ¥10 a page; color, ¥100 a page), digital enlargement from microfilm or microfiche (black and white, ¥10 a page), photography (for research and study purposes only; a separate application is required to photograph materials for inclusion in a publication).
• Copyright laws required that only part of a material (less than half of a copyrighted work) can be copied, and only one copy per person. The latest issues of periodicals or newspapers cannot be copied.
• Some materials may not be copied if it is confirmed that doing so would be unsuitable for their preservation.
• Request hours: 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30.
  Requests by phone, fax, or email are not accepted.

Reading the NMWA Collection File

• Prior request for access to the NMWA Collection File is required. (Same-day applications are not accepted.)
• We will check your belongings before and after you use of materials in the file. Please refrain from bringing papers that would be difficult to differentiation from materials in the file. We may also have you open your personal computer or tablet and check that no documents have been inserted and no photos have been taken.
• These materials can be viewed only in designated seats.
• Pencils are the only writing implements permitted. (We will lend a pencil if you did not bring one.) Please refrain from using fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and other types of pens.
• Please refrain from photocopying or making photographic copies.

Lending

No library materials can be loaned.

Remote Photocopy Service

The library will respond to requests for remote photocopying only from libraries and similar institutions in Japan.
Fill in the copying request form (“Copying Request Form,” Excel) and send it to our email address, with “Research Library” in the subject line. The copying charge is black and white, ¥10 a page; color, ¥100 a page, plus mailing charges.
* The library does not respond to direct requests for remote photocopying from individuals. Please make your request through your institution’s library or a public library.
* Copies are not sent overseas. If that service becomes possible in the future, it will be announced on our website.