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<br><div><html>On Mar 31, 2008, at 11:06 AM, Mark Nornes wrote:</html><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px"><font face="Hiragino Maru Gothic Pro" size="4" style="font: 13.0px Hiragino Maru Gothic Pro">Waseda has a pretty good collection, much of which is in a building next to the Tsubouchi Memorial Library or in the main library. I just worry that it's not accessible to the public.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You might want to call and make sure, or figure out how to get inside.</font></p> </blockquote></div><br><div>In my experience, the main Waseda library will not grant access unless you have a letter from your home institution on correct letterhead, explaining exactly what you want from their library, e.g., authors/titles/editions of books.</div><div><br></div><div>The last time I tried to get in with a letter from my sponsoring university, rather than granting access the desk staff did an unsolicited Internet search for the titles on my list and told me that I could go to some place out in Chiba-ken for the books rather than use their library. In other words, a general letter of introduction likely will not be considered acceptable: whatever documents you bring must mention their library and "Waseda University" specifically by name.</div><div><br></div><div>There is also a smaller, older, library at Waseda relating to the performing arts that is less strict and will probably admit you without a letter. However, their collection is minimal and didn't seem terribly current. Sum total, I think it was about four or maybe five shelves along one wall of the single room. Best to check their catalog via the Internet first and phone to confirm access.</div><div><br></div><div>The Tokyo Metropolitan library in Azabu also has some English books on cinema and, though weak, it might be better than the publicly-accessible Waseda collection.</div><div><br></div><div>M</div></body></html>