Library Information

A. Library Hours

• The library is closed during chapel and supper times.
• The library counter closes 15 minutes before the library closes.
• The library is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, Christmas Day, school holidays, and other days announced by TCU Library. Any temporary changes to library hours will be posted on the TCU website.

B. Who May Use the Library?

1. Full-time students of Tokyo Christian University (including auditors and short-term students)
2. Faculty and staff members of Tokyo Christian Institute
3. Students’ family members who live in TCI family dormitory
4. Alumni and retired faculty/staff members of Tokyo Christian University and its predecessor schools
5. Researchers and university students conducting academic research who have a reference letter from their affiliated institution
6. Church members conducting academic research who have a reference letter from their affiliated church
7. Others who received permission from TCU

• Those who are in category (1) and (2) can use the library without any formalities.
• Auditors and short-term students may use the library only while they are auditing or taking classes.
• Those in categories (3)–(7) must obtain permission at the library counter. Please refer to Sections I and J below.

C. Library Card

A library card is required to use the library. Your student ID card serves as your library card. Please bring it with you whenever you use the library.

D. Material Use Within the Library

TCU Library uses an open-stack system. However, back issues of magazines and bulletins, rare or valuable books, and special materials are stored in the closed-stack room. Please ask the library staff for assistance in accessing these materials. (Materials in the closed-stack room are available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

E. Checking Out Materials

(1) Number of items you may borrow and loan period

• Loan periods and the number of items allowed during long vacations will be announced on bulletin boards or by other means as needed.
• Books designated by instructors for required course reading are placed in the Course Reserves section for a limited period and are available for in-library use only.
• If another user reserves a book that you have on long-term loan, you may be asked to return it before the due date.

(2) Materials that cannot be checked out

Rare or valuable books, reference books, new publications, magazines, and other specified materials cannot be checked out.

(3) How to check out materials

Please bring the books and your student ID card to the library counter.

(4) Extending and Renewing a Loan Period

If you wish to extend the loan period for a book, you can request an extension through OPAC before the due date. The loan period can be extended up to three times. However, extensions are not allowed if the book has been reserved, is overdue, or during examination periods.

(5) Overdue Items, Reminders, and Suspension of Borrowing Privileges

If you do not return an item by the due date, the library will send you an email reminder. If even one item is overdue, you cannot borrow any additional materials. Repeated failure to return overdue items despite multiple reminders may result in the suspension of your borrowing privileges.

(6) Reservation Procedures

TCU students can place reservations through OPAC. After you place a reservation, the library will notify you by email when the book is ready. Your reserved book will be placed on the Reserved Books Cart in the entrance hall. The checkout process will already have been completed. Please check your name and the number of books, then take your reserved books with you. You do not need to go to the library counter.

(7) Return Procedures

Please return borrowed books by the due date either at the counter or on the return shelf located at the library entrance.

F. Library Materials

(1) Classification

Japanese books are classified using the Japanese Decimal Classification (NDC), while foreign books are classified using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). However, for your convenience, some foreign books (such as Bibles, foreign textbooks, and sheet music) are classified using NDC.

(2) Catalog

You can search for books using OPAC.

(3) Reference books

Materials such as dictionaries, yearbooks, bibliographies, and indexes are located in the reference section. These materials are for use within the library and, as a general rule, cannot be checked out.

(4) Newspapers

Newspapers are located in the newspaper section on the first floor. They are for use within the library and are not available for check out. Newspapers are for in-library use only.

(5) New arrivals

Newly arrived books are announced periodically. They are displayed in the New Arrivals section for one week and then distributed. As a general rule, new arrivals cannot be checked out during the display period, but you may reserve them.

(6) Course Reserves

Books designated by instructors for required course reading are placed in the Course Reserves section for a limited period and are available for in-library use only. Course Reserves are not available for check-out.

(7) Textbooks for International Students

On the second floor of the library, there is a section where textbooks used in classes are collected for international students. The loan period is until the last class day of the trimester.

(8) Book Requests

If you would like to request materials that are not held by the library, please fill out the “Book Request Form” and submit it at the counter. We will make arrangements as needed, such as purchasing the item or obtaining it from another library.

G. Library Services

(1) Photocopying

Only library materials may be copied, and only within the limits permitted by copyright law. Photocopying is done using coin-operated machines, so please have cash ready. Improper handling during copying can damage books, so please handle them carefully. Personal materials, such as notebooks or privately owned items, may not be copied. To copy personal materials, please use the machines available in the dormitory or administration building.

(2) Interlibrary Services (Using Other Libraries)

If TCU Library does not have the book you need, you may request to borrow it from another library, obtain a copy, or visit the other library directly with a letter of introduction. Please ask at the counter for assistance.

(3) Group Study Room

The group study room is available for groups of three or more. Please notify the library staff when using it. Reservations can be made from the day before use.

(4) Special Reading Room (2nd-Floor Carrel Booths)

Priority is given to graduate students and those writing graduation theses.

(5) Lounge

A lounge is available on the first floor of the library. Tea and other refreshments are available, so feel free to use it for a break while studying. Please keep noise to a minimum when using this space.

(6) Internet Use in the Library

1. Computers are available in the library and may be used for research purposes. Please avoid using them for extended periods, as this may inconvenience other users.
2. Wi-Fi is available throughout the library.

H. Notes for Users

(1) Loss and Damage

Library materials are shared resources for current and future students and faculty. Please handle them with care to prevent damage or loss. If an item is lost or damaged, report it to the library staff immediately. You will be required to pay for the loss or damage.

(2) Other Guidelines

Please use the library considerately and respectfully. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the library staff.

• Please refrain from talking, making phone calls, or engaging in any behavior that may disturb others.
• Eating and drinking are not allowed in the library, except for drinks in containers with lids.
• When you leave your seat, please take care of your valuables.
• Handle materials with care. Writing in, cutting from, or otherwise damaging library materials is strictly prohibited.
• Please return books you have used to the return shelf; library staff will return them to their proper place.
• You may bring your personal laptop into the library.

I. For Graduates & Students’ Family Members Living in the Family Dorm

The library provides the following services to support academic research.

(1) Eligible Users

1. Students’ family members who live in TCI family dormitory
2. Alumni and retired faculty/staff members of Tokyo Christian University and its predecessor schools

(2) Available services

Reading and copying; book lending (for registered users only)

(3) Guide for Users

1. Please notify the library staff if you are only visiting the library or using materials in the library for the day.
2. A library card will be issued if you would like to use the library year-round or to check out materials. Please fill out the “Library Card Application” at the counter and submit it along with your ID. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3. You will be notified if a current student reserves the book you are checking out. Please return it immediately, even if it is still within the loan period.
4. Book reservations and long-term checkouts during school breaks are not available.
5. Books may be returned by mail.

J. For External Users

If you wish to use the services listed below, please have your affiliated institution’s library or a similar organization contact us in advance by fax. Inquiries directly from individuals will not be accepted. Please note that we may refuse access if you arrive without prior notice.

1. Reading and Document Copying

To support academic research and study, TCU Library offers the following services to external users. The following individuals may use the library for on-site reading and photocopying.

(1) Eligible users

• Researchers and university students conducting academic research who have a reference letter from their affiliated institution
• Church members conducting academic research who have a reference letter from their affiliated church

(2) Procedure

Present your reference letter and a valid ID at the counter. Initial registration must be completed Monday through Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

(3) Guide for Users

The reference letter is generally valid for one week. Library hours for external users are Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please confirm in advance that the materials you wish to use are available through the TCU Library website or through your institution’s library.

2. Borrowing Materials (In Person Only)

Eligible users listed below may check out books and other materials by paying an annual registration fee of 3,000 yen. Please note that reservations and long-term loans during vacation periods are not available.

(1) Eligible users

• Researchers and university students conducting academic research who have a reference letter from their affiliated institution
• Church members conducting academic research who have a reference letter from their affiliated church

(2) Procedure

Please contact the library in advance and submit a completed Library User Card Application Form. After your application is reviewed, present an ID showing your current address at the counter to receive a library card valid for the current academic year. (If you lose your card and request a replacement, a replacement fee of 1,000 yen will be charged.)

(3) Loan period and number of items

Loan period: 1 month (3 days for sheet music)
Number of items: Up to 5 books

(4) Services not available to external users

• Requests for document copies, interlibrary loans, or reference letters for other libraries
• Requests for material purchases
• Reference services via telephone

TCU Library participates in interlibrary services and provides copying and material lending services to other libraries. Please ask your affiliated university or research institute library about availability.