After discontinuing the trial reading service for e-books, which was available until FY2025, we will start accepting e-book purchase requests in April 2026, using the same process as for print books.
*Requests for e-books cannot be submitted until the end of March 2025.
We would like to provide the following updated information regarding the purchase requests service for FY2026 and beyond.
How to apply
We will only accept request the purchase of books (print or electronic) that are not currently held by Waseda University Libraries, and only from those who are eligible to borrow as before.
Waseda University students and faculty/staff may submit requests via the “Library Online Request” form.
Paper request forms will be accepted at the Reference Desk or Service Desk only for those without access to the “Library Online Request”. However, requests for e-book purchases will not be accepted through this method.
Important Notes
Before applying, please review and agree to all of the following notices. Please check the detailed information when applying via the Library Online Request form.
- Due to budgetary constraints and limited shelf space, we can only accommodate a limited number of requests per person. We cannot fulfill multiple requests within a short period, nor requests for the same book submitted to multiple libraries.
- Whether an item is purchased will be determined based on each library’s book selecting standard. Not all requested books will be purchased.
- Requests for expensive books, out-of-print books, books that are difficult to obtain, books available only through secondhand bookstores, or books not in general circulation may not be accepted.
- The library where the book is shelved, or the format of the material (print/electronic) may differ from your preference due to collection policies.
- Please provide detailed reasons for your purchase request. Requests with concise reasons may not be accommodated.
- Acquiring books takes time. If you need a book urgently for research or writing papers, please consider alternative options. Foreign-language books may take several months or longer, so please submit your request well in advance.
- Please refrain from requesting unpublished books, as publication details are uncertain.
- You cannot reserve a requested book that the library purchased on a continuing basis. Please wait until the book becomes available.
Notification for purchasing
You will be notified only if we decide to purchase the book. In that case, a notification will be sent to your Waseda Mail address within approximately 14 days.
Please note that we do not send notifications for rejected requests.
You may experience delays in response to requests submitted on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or during seasonal breaks.
Personal information submitted through this form will be used solely for library operations and services.
Unacceptable materials
The following materials cannot be requested:
Materials other than books
Journals(print/electronic), microforms, audiovisual materials, CD/DVD-ROMs, etc. cannot be requested. For materials that cannot be requested through this form, please inquire at the desk of each library or reading room.
E-books for personal use, electronic resource packages, subscription databases, etc. cannot be accepted.
Comic books, books for practical purposes, exercise books, language–learning textbooks and hobby books
These materials are generally not accepted.
Request for e-books
Starting in FY2026, you may also request for e-books. *Requests for e-books cannot be submitted until the end of March 2025.
Please note that, depending on the condition, a printed copy may be provided even if you request an e-book.
In principle, we only accept requests for e-books available on the following publishers’ platforms. Electronic resource packages and subscription databases cannot be accepted.
- Kinokuniya Company Ltd. (KinoDen)
- Maruzen-Yushodo (Maruzen ebook Library)
- Oxford University Press
- Cambridge University Press
- Taylor & Francis
- Brill
E-books from other publishers will not be purchased, even if requested.
Whenever possible, please specify the URL for the relevant e-book from the publisher’s website.
To access e-books from off-campus, you must have Off-Campus Access privileges. If you are unable to use Off-Campus Access, please be aware of this limitation before submitting your request.
Contact
Department of Collection Management
Email: shiryokanrika(★)list.waseda.jp *Please replace (★) with @ when sending mail.
