Member libraries of the Hiroshima Academic Library Consortium are available for visits and use with a valid student or staff ID. 

Lending policies may differ by library, so please refer to each library’s website or the “Hitome Map” for details. 

For access to rare or special materials, prior inquiry is required. If you plan to visit, please contact the office listed below or the Central Library’s Inter-library Loan Desk at least 1–2 weeks in advance (weekdays 8:45–16:45).

In principle, prior inquiry is required before visiting. Depending on the regulations of the host library, a letter of introduction issued by our library may also be necessary.

If you wish to make an advance inquiry, please fill out the “Application Form for Using Off-Campus Libraries” and submit it by email (as an attachment) to the contact listed below, or bring it directly to the Central Library's Inter-library Loan Desk (weekdays 8:45–16:45) at least 1–2 weeks before your intended visit.

Faculty and staff may also use campus mail to submit the form.

After receiving your application, we will issue a letter of introduction according to the instructions provided by the host library.

The application form is available for download at the link below.

• Please check the website of the library you plan to visit, especially any pages such as “For External Users,” which may outline specific conditions for entry. If direct access is permitted according to the library’s policies, prior inquiry may not be required. Note: Most national university libraries are generally open to the public. However, prior inquiry is necessary when using rare or special materials.
• Confirm the library’s open days before selecting your visit date. Even on days the library is open, your request may not be accommodated due to scheduling or internal circumstances.
• Letters of introduction will be issued only after the host library has been contacted. Please be sure to apply at least 1–2 weeks in advance of your intended visit.
• Check the availability of the materials at the host library. For rare materials not listed in the library's Online Catalog, please provide supporting bibliographic information when submitting your application.
• Please follow all instructions provided by the host library regarding use of materials.
• If there are any changes to your visit schedule or the materials you wish to view, contact us immediately.
• Without prior inquiry and a letter of introduction, you may not be permitted to access or use materials during your visit.

Unlike domestic institutions, overseas libraries do not have standardized procedures for requesting letters of introduction. The library does not handle inquiries or contact the host institution on your behalf. Please carefully review the website of the institution you plan to visit and ensure you complete all required preparations in advance. If you are unsure of the contact information or have questions, please consult with our staff.

If a letter of introduction issued by Hiroshima University Library is required, an English letter signed by the Director of the Library will be provided. The letter states that the bearer is a member of Hiroshima University and is requesting access for research purposes. However, this does not guarantee entry to the host institution.

To request a letter, please consult with the contact office listed below or visit the Central Library’s Inter-library Loan Desk (weekdays 8:45–16:45) no later than two weeks prior to your intended visit.