Old maps, beautifully coloured drawings, early photographs, rare books, and even a genuine love letter. Leiden University Libraries (UBL) holds an important and diverse Japan collection. From January through December 2026, we will organize various public activities around the Japan collections.

The standard loan period for items borrowed at Leiden University Libraries (UBL) is 3 weeks.

Leiden University Libraries' favourite tools to facilitate your online work and research.

Knowing where scientific information can be found and how to use it is of great importance for getting through university. In collaboration with teachers, UBL guides students in information literacy skills: from assessing information to searching in the Special Collections and citation management.

Conditions are attached to the use of information sources (databases) provided by UBL.

The UBL provides access to an endless collection printed and online journal articles

Leiden University Libraries (UBL) has seen an increase in the number of visitors seeking a place to study. In order to meet Leiden University students' concerns, UBL has chosen to regulate library and study place access.

Special books, drawings, photos and other source material in the UBL collections can be found at the Special Collections department. You can’t borrow these materials, but you can request them via the catalogue and consult them in the library. Planning your first visit to the Special Collections reading…

Do you have books, manuscripts, and other materials and are considering donating them to UBL? If so, please get in touch with us.

Welcome to Leiden University Libraries!

During the year 2021 and 2022 Leiden University Libraries illuminated the rich past of its university and its students by organising the thematic programme "University and Student life". Several online exhibitions, boekensalons and public lectures were organised around this theme, especially for the…

When making available the heritage collections for study and research extra measures are taken to minimize risks and optimize conditions for use.

Welcome to Leiden University Libraries (UBL).

The family of the famous diplomat, sinologist and writer Robert van Gulik has donated his personal archive and part of his collection to Leiden University Libraries (UBL). The collection and archive provide insight into the life and work of Robert van Gulik, who became known to the general public for…

The Leiden University Libraries (UBL) catalogue contains millions of (e-)books, (e-)journals, manuscripts, letters, and other materials available at the UBL.

In the UBL podcast Leiden University lecturers, professors and other experts talk about their research based on items from the Special Collections.

Any questions regarding the Leiden University Libraries (UBL) or our services?

Looking for a book? Materials within the Leiden University Libraries (UBL) collection are (mostly) arranged according to the Library of Congress Classification.

Subject librarians and Medical Information specialists employ general criteria when evaluating titles to be added or removed from the collections, some criteria having greater or lesser importance depending on subject area.

Library exhibitions, both online and physical, give an idea of the breadth of our collections.

The special collections from Japan and Korea are located at the central library building at Witte Singel, where it forms a part of the Asian Library.

De Universiteit Leiden is al 25 jaar stevig geworteld in Den Haag. Dat werd zichtbaar tijdens de feestelijke bijeenkomst rondom de foto-expositie Universiteit Leiden in Den Haag: Onderzoekers van de stad.

Freedom is not something we can take for granted. In its thematic programme ‘Oppression and Freedom’, Leiden University Libraries (UBL) has explored views on identity, relations and the interaction between individuals and groups in the past. The programme included several (online) exhibitions, workshops…

Anyone wishing to make a substantial contribution to Leiden University Libraries can have the donation earmarked for a specific purpose. You can set up this fund to support a specific collection or research area. These so-called Named Funds are therefore always customized. It is also possible to donate…

Leiden University Libraries (UBL) works together with authors and publishers regularly and supports publication of books about the collections. Publications can be obtained from bookshops or publishers. You can also order publications via email (plaatsing@library.leidenuniv.nl). Please give the following…

The G.W.J. Drewes Fund was invoked to celebrate the transfer of the scholarly legacy of Professor Drewes to the UBL and to mark the opening of the Asia Library in the University Library at the Witte Singel. The fund provides financial support to one or more fellowships at the Scaliger Institute. The…

The Middle Eastern Library is located on the ground floor of the new Herta Mohr Building at Witte Singel.

Leiden University alumni and PhD graduates can continue to use library facilities free of charge.

Overview of databases, reference works and websites for research in Middle Eastern Studies

Overview of databases, reference works and websites for research in Mathematics

UBL has assigned a Subject Librarian or Medical Information Specialist to each department and program who provides in-depth assistance for researchers and teachers

The photographs collection of Leiden University Librarie (UBL) contains specimens of almost all photographic processes from the history of the medium, rare objects and artistic highlights. Together, they shed light on the history of photography as a technique, a means of scientific, historic and personal…

There are several excellent options for teachers and researchers to engage students and other audiences with primary sources. Either by requesting items from the Special Collections for use during lectures or by integrating our educational resources into your lesson plans.

The exhibition Leiden celebrates – 450 years of parades at Museum De Lakenhal shows how parades and society have changed through the centuries. Alumnus and historian Danielle van Goethem worked on the exhibition. She gives a preview.

From as little as €45.00 per year, Friends enjoy special benefits. As a Friend you: support the UBL financially. The foundation of Friends regularly contributes to the purchase of a unique items or make a financial contribution to the organisation of exhibitions; become part of a network of…

The African Library is located on the ground floor of the new Herta Mohr Building at Witte Singel.

Kiem-project Japanese Medical Histories

Ludo Waltman, professor of Quantitative Science Studies at Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), has been awarded the Derek de Solla Price Medal.

Overview of databases, reference works and websites for research in French language and culture.

Searching for relevant scholarly information can be a challenge. These tutorials can help you navigating the catalogue and other databases.

The Bibliotheca Thysiana Fellowship keeps alive the memory of the young lawyer and book collector and bibliophile Joannes Thysius (1622-1653).

The University Library's Open Science services are available to individual researchers as well as on the level of the University's faculties and institutes.

Leiden University has adopted its first Strategic Publication Framework for publishing the works of its researchers. The framework has been prepared by the Open Scientific Publishing think tank in the Academia in Motion program and has gone through extensive consultation in the faculties. On 11 November…