Waseda University Library
Coordinates: 35°42′32.38″N 139°43′7.88″E / 35.7089944°N 139.7188556°E
The libraries or library of Waseda University (早稲田大学図書館; Waseda Daigaku Toshokan) are collectively one of the largest libraries in Japan. Established in 1882, they currently hold some 4.5 million volumes and 46,000 serials.
The Waseda University Library (早稲田大学図書館; Waseda Daigaku Toshokan) was originally established at the time of the founding of the University in 1882 (at that time called 東京専門学校; Tokyo Senmon Gakkou). Its current Central Library building was opened in 1991, commemorating the University's centennial. All together the university has 29 libraries: the Central Library, four Campus Libraries, and school libraries or reading rooms for students, attached to each school and institute. These libraries are said to hold 4.5 million books.
The Waseda University Library also possesses a unique collection which survived the Bombing of Tokyo in World War II unlike many of its counterparts. It possesses some items which even the National Diet Library does not have. Because of this, its collection is an important resource in the study of pre-war Japanese history and literature.
The library is divided into a central library and four main branch libraries, including one at each campus. These branch libraries are the S. Takata Memorial Research Library (with limited access for students), the Library of Science and Engineering, the Toyama Library, and the Tokorozawa Library. In addition there are a number of departmental and special institute libraries which are integrated into the library system.
The Waseda University Library owns a large number of materials of eminent cultural value. Alongside the two items designated as National Treasures and five sets (187 items) as Important Cultural Assets, are manuscripts, rare books, calligraphy, handwritten strips of poems, archival materials related to Japanese history, and several special collections named after their donors, among others. Because of their rarity, access to such materials is usually limited, except for special exhibitions.
...
Wikipedia