Libraries
The University Library consists of the Central Library, North Library, and departmental libraries containing more specialized books. The University Library is open almost every day, including Saturdays and Sundays, throughout the year. It is open until 10:00 p.m. on days when there are classes. Students are encouraged to make the most of the library during their time at Hokkaido University.
Student ID cards must be presented when using the Central or North Library. When entering a reading room, insert your student ID card in the card reader at the entrance. Books, magazines, newspapers and other materials on the shelves of open stack rooms can be read without this restriction. If you want to read a book in the closed stack room of the North Library, you can enter by following the necessary procedures, which can be found at the reception desk. As students cannot openly enter the closed stack room of the Central Library, apply at the reception desk by filling in the Library Material Request Form.
Books in open stack rooms can be borrowed by using the self-checkout machines. Books in closed stack rooms can be borrowed by presenting your student ID card and following the necessary procedures at the reception desk. Undergraduate students may borrow up to eight books from the reading room and five book from the stack room for a period of up to fifteen days. Graduate students, on the other hand, may borrow up to eight books from the reading room for a period of up to fifteen days and forty-five book from the stack room for up to sixty days.
Approximately 90% of the 3.8 million books in the library can be found using our library catalog (OPAC) from any of the PCs within and outside of the university. If any desired materials are not located at the university, they may be obtained from another university. Please ask a library staff member for more information. If there are any materials that you want the library to purchase, submit an application by filling in the Book Purchase Application Form available at the library or the Book Purchase Request Form on the library website. The University Library also has dictionaries, bibliographies and other materials necessary for leaning. Feel free to ask at the reception desk about how to use these materials, and how to find books, magazines and other articles using our databases. Finally, a variety of books related to Japanese culture and Japan’s involvement in the natural sciences, social sciences, and business are available on the third floor of the North Library.
Students are encouraged to participate in the various workshops we offer. Announcements regarding such events are posted at the library and online. New students are also invited to attend an induction of the library.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, want to read books related to your lectures and assignments, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask a library staff member.
For detailed information on catalogs, opening hours, and library usage, please consult the library’s website.