Contact Our Japanese Studies Librarian
スポットライト
Take a look at the Hiroshima Archive, traditional Japanese animation technique, Japanese book history, Japan's women Behind the Camera, see how incarcerated Japanese Americans made their own destinies, or how LGBT advocates coordinate resources in the Queer Japan archives.
The Japanese Studies library guide is your one-stop shop to finding research/scholarly resources related to Japan. You can find us on the second floor of YRL in the East Asian Library. Feel free to book a research consultation if you need help. If you are new to using the UCLA Library, please scroll down to "Tips for Using the Library". ありがとうございます！
| Tomoko Bialock Japanese Studies Librarian tbialock@library.ucla.edu Schedule Research Consultation |
Kimberly McNelly Project Manager kmcnelly@library.ucla.edu |
Su Chen East Asian Studies Librarian suchen11@library.ucla.edu |
Junko Tanaka Japanese Acquisition and Cataloging Specialist jtanaka@library.ucla.edu |
Quick Start Guide |
Getting started with Japan-related research
Still overwhelmed? See how to use the UCLA Library system. Just click on "Navigating and Requesting" to get started. |
Databases and Resources
Databases |
Getting started with Databases Here is an extensive, compiled overview of our subscribed databases. Newspaper archives, digitized microfilm collections, references, and more are all included. Some good places to jumpstart your search are CiNii and JapanKnowledge, linked directly below. Please note than when searching in UCLA Library Search or any other database, romanization and kanji variants may affect results. Please view the "Info Literacy" tab for help. |
Here is our compiled list of E-books. As a UCLA user, you have access to many e-book materials that may not be visible directly on the UCLA catalog (OPAC). Click or search the relevant title into the EBSCO, KinoDen, MeL, J-Dac or JapanKnowledge search fields to access e-book materials. A list of newly acquired materials for each platform can be seen below.
We hold three different types of audiobooks. Most can be accessed through the Maruzen E-Library database. However, we also have a selection of audio books that are digitized through Avalon, and a few that are on Youtube (read by a former NHK newscaster).
Japanese Information Literacy
In order to find and use resources in your research, it is important to understand how research itself works in Japanese. This tab is focused solely on helping you learn what you might need to start or aid your scholarly process.
- Japanese Information Literacy for Undergrads Full Course - Suzanne Fessler (University at Albany)An indispensable guide-- full Japanese Information Literary course. Includes information on everything from citing Japanese sources, Japanese eras/periodization, auspicious days, units of measure, noble titles/ranks, and subject-based resources. Please view (https://guides.nccjapan.org/infolitforundergrads) for syllabus and full course materials.
- Japanese Bibliography and Research Methods Course Library Guide - Maureen Donovan (Ohio State U)Information on romanization standards, dictionaries, translations, references and resources by subject.
Romanizing and Kanji
Included below are links to a romanization table and the some kanji variant resources.
- Romanization TableTable of Modified Hepburn Romanization (Roma-ji system used in the most English databases)
Dictionaries
Dictionaries can be useful in the 21st century sometimes, too!
- Digital Dictionary of Buddhism 電子佛教辭典A dictionary of Buddhist terminology developed by user contributions and maintained by A. Charles Muller, professor of the University of Tokyo. Buddhist terms are indexed by radicals, texts, temples, schools, places, etc. Includes links to other useful Buddhist web resources.
A list of lexicographical and canonical references used in DDB: http://www.buddhism-dict.net/ddb/references.html - Hentaigana Apphttp://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/new-app-helps-students-learn-to-read-ancient-japanese-writing-form
Tips for using the library
If you are new to accessing library materials, there is a world of information awaiting you. Here are some resources to get you started.
- Classification (Library of Congress)Everything in most U.S. based academic libraries are sorted by the Library of Congress organization system. This link is a brief overview of each of the subjects.
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL)Instructions for making an interlibrary loan request for materials not located at UCLA.
- SRLFInstructions for requesting materials stored at SRLF (off-site storage center).
- Purchase RequestsSubmit a purchase request to have the library buy unavailable materials for you.
- Romanization TableIf you cannot find materials in English regarding your subject, try using this Romanization table to search for materials in Japanese.
- Using the Library - Student ResourcesGeneral reference page for many library resources such as copy/scan, purchase requests, document delivery, etc.
- Research WorkshopsNo clue where to start? Research workshops cover everything from getting started with research, writing literature reviews, organizing data with spreadsheets or databases, finding sources at the UCLA Library, and more!
- Studying & Learning SpacesNeed somewhere to study? Try booking a room in any of our library spaces.
- Print, Copy & ScanOur campus libraries offer self-service print, copy, and scan services.
- Off-Campus (VPN or Proxy Server) Access to Library eResourcesHow to access licensed online content from off-campus.
- Graduate-Level Research: Services, Resources, and TipsTips on selecting faculty committee members, choosing a thesis topic, discovering and accessing research materials, searching for financial support, completing your thesis, and hunting for jobs.
- Zotero Research GuideZotero is a free citation management system that can help you save your research materials and create bibliographies.
- Endnote How-toAccess EndNote
- Accessing Special CollectionsSpecial Collections Request Management system (Aeon) to request items through either UCLA OPAC or Online Archive of California (OAC).
- UCLA Instructional Media Library CatalogLocated in Powell Library, circulates physical media and films to instructors, faculty and researchers for in-person teaching, as well as making available digital versions for use on approved Bruin Learn/ Canvas course websites.
Newly Acquired JP Books
Below is a list of recently acquired materials.