座間市立図書館: Your Official Guide to Services & Online Access
Quick Summary
- Extensive book and digital resources
- Easy online account management
- Dedicated study and research spaces
Welcome to the 座間市立図書館 (Zama City Library), a central hub for learning and community engagement in Zama City, Japan. This guide provides an accurate overview of the library's many services, from borrowing materials to accessing digital resources. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, understanding the online account management and on-site facilities will enhance your library experience.
The Zama City Library offers a diverse collection and a range of modern amenities designed to support your informational and recreational reading needs. By leveraging its digital portal and physical spaces, you can easily find books, research materials, and participate in various programs.
- 📋 Becoming a Member: Who Can Join Zama City Library?
- 📍 Accessing Your Digital Library Account: Simple Steps
- ⭐ Exploring Zama City Library's Extensive Offerings & Resources
- ⚠️ Quick Solutions for Common Library Account Questions
- 🔒 Protecting Your Personal Information at Zama City Library
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Answers to Your Most Asked Zama Library Inquiries
Becoming a Member: Who Can Join Zama City Library?
- To obtain a library card, you must be a resident, work, or attend school in Zama City. Residents of the broader Ken-o region (which includes Atsugi, Isehara, Hadano, Yamato, Ayase, Sagamihara, Ebina, Aikawa, and Kiyokawa) are also eligible. Additionally, students and faculty from partner universities like Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences and Joshibi University of Art and Design can apply for a card.
- When applying for a new library card, you will need to present identification that confirms your address and full name. Acceptable documents include a health insurance card, driver's license, or recent mail. If you are affiliated with a partner university, please bring your student or staff ID. There is no fee to get a library card.
Accessing Your Digital Library Account: Simple Steps
- To access your personalized online library account, navigate to the official Zama City Library website.
- Look for the '利用者メニュー' (User Menu) or 'マイ・ライブラリー' (My Library) link, typically found in the header or sidebar.
- Enter your library card number and your registered password into the respective fields.
- Click the 'ログイン' (Login) button to proceed to your user dashboard. From here, you can manage your borrowed items, reservations, and personal settings.
Exploring Zama City Library's Extensive Offerings & Resources
- Extensive Collection and Borrowing: Borrow up to 50 books, magazines, or manga (with a limit of 10 manga) for a period of two weeks. You can also check out up to 3 DVDs or videos.
- Online Catalog and Reservations: Use the online portal to search the library's collection and reserve items. You can make up to 25 online reservations for items currently held by the library. For unheld items, you can submit a request at the counter.
- Digital Library Services: Access the Electronic Library from your personal device with an internet connection, offering a convenient way to read e-books. A library card and online password are required.
- Study and Research Facilities: Utilize the 研修読書室 (Training Reading Room) with 64 seats for quiet study, or the 参考図書室 (Reference Room), which provides access to databases and includes 4 power outlets for personal laptops.
- Public Internet Access: The library offers computers for internet use, with 4 PCs near the counter available for 35-minute sessions and 2 research-focused PCs in the Reference Room for 60-minute sessions.
- Mobile Library 'Himawari-go': The 移動図書館ひまわり号 (Mobile Library Himawari-go) brings library services to various locations throughout Zama City, making resources more accessible to the community.
- Photocopying Services: Copy library materials within copyright limits. Fees apply: 10 yen per page for black and white, and 50-80 yen per page for color.
Quick Solutions for Common Library Account Questions
⚠️ Forgot Password
Cause: You have forgotten your online account password.
Solution: The library does not manage individual passwords online. You must visit the main counter or a branch library (Citizen's Hall, East/North District Cultural Centers) to fill out an 'インターネット・ＯＰＡＣ用パスワード登録申込書' (Internet/OPAC Password Registration Application Form) to receive a temporary password. Your existing password and email will remain valid if you reissue your library card.
⚠️ Forgot Library Card
Cause: You left your library card at home but still want to borrow materials.
Solution: You can fill out a '貸出申込書' (Borrowing Application Form) at the main counter to borrow materials. If you find an old library card, bring it to the main counter to confirm its usability, especially if you've reissued a new one.
⚠️ Overdue Items
Cause: You have not returned borrowed materials by their due date.
Solution: While there are generally no penalties for overdue items, it's crucial to return materials on time so others can use them. Items with reservations, overdue status, or that have been renewed six times cannot be extended.
⚠️ Cannot Extend Loan Period Online
Cause: Your online renewal attempt was unsuccessful.
Solution: You cannot extend the loan period for items that have reservations, are already overdue, or have reached their maximum of six renewals. Please return these items to the library.
Protecting Your Personal Information at Zama City Library
- 🔒 Always use a strong, unique password for your online library account to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information and borrowing history.
- 🔒 Be mindful when using public computers at the library. Ensure you log out of your library account and any other personal accounts before leaving the workstation.
- 🔒 The library adheres to personal information handling guidelines. Your personal data is treated with care, and measures are in place to ensure its privacy.
- 🔒 Regularly monitor your borrowing and reservation history through your online account to detect any unusual activity and report it to library staff if necessary.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
Phone: 046-255-1211, Fax: 046-252-5704
Answers to Your Most Asked Zama Library Inquiries
Q: Who is eligible to get a library card at Zama City Library?
Residents, workers, or students in Zama City, or residents of the Ken-o region (Atsugi, Isehara, Hadano, Yamato, Ayase, Sagamihara, Ebina, Aikawa, Kiyokawa) are eligible. Students and faculty from affiliated universities are also welcome to apply.
Q: What are the Zama City Library's operating hours?
The main library is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday through Friday, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The Reference Room operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Q: How many books can I borrow and for how long?
You can borrow up to a total of 50 books, magazines, or manga (with manga limited to 10 copies) for a period of two weeks. Additionally, you can borrow up to three DVDs or videos.
Q: Can I reserve books online if the library doesn't own them?
While you can reserve items currently held by the library through the online portal, requests for materials not in the Zama City Library's collection must be made in person at the library counter. These items may then be borrowed from other prefectural libraries or purchased.
Q: Is there a study room available for quiet study?
Yes, the Zama City Library has a 研修読書室 (Training Reading Room) on the second floor with 64 seats, designated for quiet study only. Covered drinks are permitted for hydration.
Wrap Up
The 座間市立図書館 is dedicated to serving its community with a comprehensive range of resources and user-friendly services. From convenient online access to a welcoming physical space, the library strives to support education, research, and personal enrichment. Familiarizing yourself with these offerings ensures you make the most of what Zama City Library has to provide.