This page outlines the methods for searching books and academic papers at Hiroshima University Library. For further support in your studies, please refer  to the pages for workshops and orientations. 

There are multiple methods for information retrieval, each with its own characteristics. Begin by identifying the available search methods and selecting the one that best suits your needs. Below are several examples.

Academic books and papers often include references that indicate the sources supporting their content. By reviewing these references, you can search for necessary books and papers based on textbooks assigned in lectures or key publications in each field. This method is commonly referred to as the “chain method.”

By searching for related materials through the references listed in designated textbooks, you can gain a deeper and more systematic understanding of the lecture content. However, since references are limited to the information available at the time of writing, it is recommended to also use keyword searches to access the latest discussions.
 

By setting specific terms and using tools such as Hiroshima University OPAC or CiNii Research, you can retrieve information on books and papers related to the entered keywords. However, if the keywords are vague, it may be difficult to reach the desired information. Therefore, it is advisable to use more specific terms or consult reference materials in advance to acquire foundational knowledge.

Keywords may have hierarchical relationships (e.g., Western Philosophy > Kant > Critique of Judgment) or synonyms (e.g., machine ≈ equipment), and their meanings can vary. Additionally, Japanese and English keywords may differ slightly (information science, informatics). A thesaurus organizes these relationships and enables multifaceted keyword searches.

Thesauri are available in dictionaries located on the first floor of the Central Library and in various databases. By using tools such as JapanKnowledge Lib, you can perform cross-searches across multiple dictionaries.
 

The Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC) system organizes academic disciplines using three-digit codes and is adopted as the call number system at Hiroshima University. By identifying the code associated with the information you are seeking, you can locate relevant books on the library shelves.

To search for call numbers using keywords, the tool “NDC Navi” is particularly useful.

There are three main methods for obtaining books.

1. Through Hiroshima University
2. Through public libraries in Hiroshima Prefecture
3. Through external institutions
    

Please check the bibliographic information in the Hiroshima University OPAC and confirm the holding status before obtaining the material. You can view the location of the material by clicking “Location” on the detailed screen.

Please note that the method of obtaining materials differs depending on whether they are held by the library or a laboratory, and whether they are located on your affiliated campus.

For inter-campus or inter-university requests, please refer to the following.

Hiroshima University has agreements with three public libraries (Hiroshima Prefectural Library, Hiroshima City Library, and Higashihiroshima City Library), allowing free interlibrary loan services. However, application procedures vary by library, and a library card may be required depending on the institution. Please refer to the following for details.

If the material is not available within the university or public libraries, it can be requested from external institutions. Please note that actual shipping costs will be charged. For details, please refer to the following.

There are three main methods for obtaining academic papers:

1. via the Internet
2. Through Hiroshima University
3. Through external institutions

To access papers online, connect to databases such as CiNii Research via campus Wi-Fi and look for links labeled “Institutional Repository,” “DOI,” “Search at Hiroshima University,” or “Find it @ HU.” You can also search by switching tabs on the library website’s homepage.

• In many cases, papers can be downloaded for free via repository or DOI links.
• Links such as “Find it @ HU” redirect to a page called SFX, which shows whether the paper is accessible for free through university subscriptions.
   

If an article is not available for online viewing, you can search for a print version held by Hiroshima University. There are two main methods for searching:

1. Using SFX
2. Searching by journal title at HU OPAC
   
    

If the article's SFX page indicates that it is not available online, please check the section immediately below for information on the university's print holdings. If the university holds a print version, the library location and the volume/issue information will be listed. Review the details and obtain the material accordingly.

You can also confirm the university's holdings by searching for the journal title in the Hiroshima University OPAC. Search by the journal title, confirm that the journal containing the article is held by the university, and then obtain the material.

Please note: If the journal is held at a different campus, it cannot be transferred like books. In such cases, please use the photocopy service.

If the paper is not available within the university or public libraries, it can be requested from external institutions. Copying fees and shipping costs will be charged. For details, please refer to the following.

Reference Services
E-mail: tosho-fukyu-wrc[at]office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Tel: +91-82-424-5631