2020/Nov/27

The renovation of the main building of the General Library is almost completed, except for the installation of elevators in the fourth phase area. We held a grand opening ceremony for the completion of the new library renovation work on Thursday, November 26.
We would like to inform you about the new features and future plans for the Main Library, as follows.
Due to the countermeasures against the new COVID19 infection, there are still some delays in opening, and restrictions on use. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

※To prevent spreading the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the admission to the general library is limited to UTokyo members only.

【New facilities and areas to open after October】

1.Spaces to disseminate the intellectual assets of the University of Tokyo

・Exhibit Room [1F](Nov.27-) 
This space is designed to introduce the collections in the General Library to the public. The exhibition space is locate near the main entrance, accessible from outside without entering the library.
Currently, we have a special exhibition “Looking back on 130 years of the General Library“ which explains the history of the library, and display some characteristic books from our Ogai, and Seishu collections. 

・Open Area [1F](Nov.27-) 
It is a space to display the intellectual assets of the University of Tokyo and to disseminate research results. We also plan to lend the space for this purpose.
Currently, we have a special exhibition “Decade of New Library Project”. There are displays the photos, blueprints during the process, and models and visual images to introduce the history of the project.

・International Documentations Corner [1F](Nov.27-)
The General Library serves as a “United Nations Depository Library” and “European Info”. You can read the latest publications from the United Nations, UN agencies and the EU. In addition, information on the activities of each organization is provided time to time.

２．Spaces that accommodates diverse learning styles

・Project Box [2F]( in preparation)
We plan to lend these rooms to small and medium-sized groups that need to engage in intensive discussion and work, including collaborative projects with off-campus. When it is vacant, it can also be used as a group study room for students. Due to the measures taken by COVID19, it will be of limited use for the time being.

・Seminar Room1-3[2F,3F] (Nov.27-)

These rooms are for workshops, study groups, classes, etc. Seminar room 3 is soundproofed. Due to the measures taken by COVID19, for the time being, it is used as a reading room.

・Lounge [5F] (Nov.27-)
This is an area where food and drinks are allowed unlike the lounge on the 2F (drinks only). There is a plan to install some vending machines for drip coffee and etc. It could be a relaxing space during study and research. Please do not take out food or drinks that cannot be sealed with lids to other floors.

3．Diverse browsing environments

・Memorial Room [1F] (Nov.27-)
The memorial room, originally established to commemorate the recovery from the Great Kanto Earthquake, has been restored to its original appearance during this renovation work. It is usually available as a reading room. (It may be irregularly unavailable due to the implementation of events such as ceremonies on campus.)

・Soundproof Booth [2F] (in preparation)
The booth is for language learning, presentation practice, and other vocal-related activities. One of the four rooms is a barrier-free booth.

・Reading Room for Stack Materials (Nov.16-)
The Stack is recognized as a place to preserve materials that require consideration. In addition, Japanese and Chinese antiquarian books have been consolidated on the east side of the basement as the materials requiring special consideration, also the location of the shelves and conditions on usage have been changed. Accordingly, we prepared a Reading Room for Stack Materials. Unlike the other reading rooms, hydration as well as food is prohibited.

・Carrel [B1] (in preparation)

They are private rooms mainly available for research with exclusive use of Stack Materials. Available for graduate students and faculty teaching members, and requires prior application with specifying the materials to be used.
When the rooms are not reserved, they are available to all students for study purpose with a procedure at the B1 counter.

We will announce about the areas under the preparation as soon as they are ready.
For inquiries, please use the contact form below.
https://www.lib.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/library/general/inquiry/inquiryform