Rare Books
We are now digitizing our Rare Books. Please see the page “Rare Books”.
You must get permission in advance to browse the original manuscript archives of Rare Books. Please inquire about applications to the Information Service Section for Social Sciences.
We prohibit the lending of Rare Books, and you cannot read them for any purpose other than research.
Doctoral Dissertations
The Library for Social Sciences retains all doctoral dissertations of Kobe University.
Please check Kobe University Repository Kernel.
In-library use only. (You cannot borrow doctoral dissertations.)
Copying less than half of all pages is permitted in accordance with copyright law in Japan.
If you wish to photocopy the entire document, please submit the author’s written permission.
Changes to dissertation submission and public availability
Generally, doctoral dissertations submitted after April 2013 are available on the web within a year as digital media.
The doctoral dissertations submitted before March 2013 are available in print.
How to use printed doctoral dissertations
Printed doctoral dissertations are located in the stacks, so library staff will take them out on applicants’ behalf. Please ask at the information desk.
*Only for in-library use (You cannot borrow doctoral dissertations).
Advance application
If you wish to use doctoral dissertations on a Saturday or Sunday opening day, please apply by Thursday of that week, giving information on the papers you wish to use (as it takes time to research and place orders). The maximum number of papers you can apply for is 20. If the library is closed on Friday, please apply by Wednesday.
*It takes time for research, retrieval and preparation for browsing after receiving the application at the counter.
Even if you plan to use doctoral dissertations on a weekday, it will be smoother if you inform us of the title, author and completion date in advance.
Please contact the Information Service Section, Library for Social Sciences here (reception hours: weekdays 9:00-16:30).
*Users are not allowed to enter the storage area.
Reception hours
Weekdays 9:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:45
(Office hours: weekdays 9:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30)
*Not available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
How to use digital doctoral dissertations
Please check Kobe University Repository Kernel
Theses that have not been published online can be viewed using specific PCs in the library. Please ask at the information desk.
Advance application
There may be cases where a dedicated computer is not immediately available due to it being in use or for other reasons. Please contact us as far in advance as possible.
Please contact the Information Service Section, Library for Social Sciences here (Office hours: weekdays 9:00-16:30).
Reception hours
Weekdays 9:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:45
(Office hours: weekdays 9:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30)
*Not available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
*Copying less than half of all pages is permitted in accordance with the copyright law in Japan. To copy all pages, please submit a warrant of the author’s agreement.
*In some cases specific PCs may not be available immediately because others are using them. Please inquire as far in advance as possible.
Master’s Theses
How to use
In any case of reading or copying master’s theses, you need a warrant of the author’s agreement. Applicants must acquire permission from the author on their own, without library assistance.
Exception: Some MBA theses submitted after 2009 can be read or copied without permission.
The library does not intermediate or provide authors’ contact details.
Reception Hours
9:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30 on weekdays
*Service unavailable: weekends, national holidays
Please inquire in advance if you wish to browse on Saturday.
National Diet Library Digital Collection
How to use
Please refer at the information desk.
National Diet Library Digital Collection
Reception Hours
9:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30 on weekdays
*Service unavailable: weekends, national holidays