University Library
Director: TOMODA Kiyohiko
This library was founded in April 1968, with a total floor area of 4,112 square meters. This is a unique library in that it functions not only as a university library under the National Library Law but also as an excellent audio visual facility, available for research and education.
Organizationally, the library is divided into three sections: administration, processing, and reading and reference, under the responsibility of the Director and Chief Officer.
At present, the library has a collection of approximately 600,000 books and journal of book binding and other materials of which about 80% are related to agricultural sciences. The library is well known for its collection of masterpieces and rare books on agriculture from the days of the Shogunate to early Meiji (1704 to 1885) which now number about 1200 original editions. The number of periodicals is about 3700 titles, of which about 1200 are serials.
In addition, there are 15 different newspapers subscribed by the association, including English language papers and some local papers. In the library, approximately 20 terminals of computers are installed for library users and “IT stand” is equipped where students can bring in their own computers and work. Not only search in University Library but also search in various database outside TUA is accessible through Internet. Information search is possible through a terminal installed in each laboratory on campus. The library has edited and published an academic journal from 1937: Journal of Agricultural Science, Tokyo Nogyo Daigaku (quarterly). As original exchange material of the university, this publication is mailed to 525 domestic and 191 overseas (36 countries)institutions of education and research.
This library offers audio visual materials and equipment and lends facilities for student and faculty use. It also offers consultations, guidance and lectures on various aspects of audio visual communication. The audio visual section has a collection of 322 16mm films, about 2,000 videotapes, about 200 sets of slides. In addition, this library has still digital cameras, slide projectors and digital video cameras available for lending.
Facilities include a photography studio (110m2), a learning laboratory, a corner for film video-tape editing and a video recording room. The video editing corner has broadcast quality equipment and is utilized for creating video teaching aids.
There is an AV learning corner (80m2) with booths for individual use of video tapes and disks.
Setagaya Information Center for Education and Research
Setagaya Information Center for Education and Research consists of “Library” and “Museum of ‘Food and Agriculture.’” Academic data are collected, stored and provided in this center, where academic and research achievements are open to public. It also serves for the students in Scientific Information course (librarians’ curators)in our university as a place for practical work, managed in close relation with learning, research and educational activities.
“Food and Agriculture” Museum
The “Food and Agriculture” Museum was officially opened on April 6, 2004. The museum was built to commemorate the 110th founding anniversary celebration of TUA.
The building was designed by a globally renowned architect, Mr. KUMA Kengo, who is known for his approach to accordance of architecture and environment. Some 300,000 visitors coming from various places were recorded to visit the museum before its 3rd year anniversary.
The museum helps to disseminate significant information from TUA. It provides opportunity and place for learning and familiarization with food agriculture issues for TUA students and the public. From regular exhibitions, event exhibitions, open lectures, hands-on learning experiences, etc., visitors will be attracted by the interesting world of food and agriculture accumulated through education and extensive research activities during the 115 years existence of TUA. The museum also provides practical training ground for students in educational and academic information programs in acquiring qualifications of a curator.
The first floor displays the history of the university and various activities at present, as well as historic agricultural tools selected from over 3600 collections, several officially identified specimens of woods including huge Yaku-sugi Cedar, and an observation water tank of Clione which is known as sea angel. Several DVDs, including “Re-vegetation of deserts”, are available at the visual exhibition corner for better understanding the research and social activities of TUA. At the “Cafe Petit Radish (named after the college mascot, cute radish)” visitors can enjoy light meals and refreshments, and purchase items related to TUA such as books from TUA Publishing, CAMUCAMU fruit juice, etc. In the café, the promotion booths from TUA affiliated businesses give opportunities to know their activities and products related to food and agriculture.
The second floor displays a collection of “Japanese Sake Containers” They are the former collection of Fermentation Museum in TUA and about 200 of rare and valuable items are exhibited. Visitors will also be fascinated by a beautifully displayed showcase of bottles of Japanese sake from TUA alumni Sake breweries. About 80% of Sake breweries in Japan, about 800 of them, had been or are owned by TUA alumni, Other collections include varieties of chickens and roosters of domestic and overseas breeds and the international collection of rooster- and chicken-related craft items that was originally owned by the late NISHIKAWA Tetsusaburo, former director of the Nishikawa Livestock Farming Foundation.
The third and fourth floors contain the facilities for the Evolutionary Biology Research Institute, founded by the late KONDO Norio, a former honorary professor of TUA. This institute keeps precious plants and animals and a rich collection of mounted or pressed specimens. A part of their collection is also exhibited in the museum.
A grass house referred to as the “Biorium” opened on August 2, 2005 and is located adjacent to the museum. The Biorium displays many living plants and animals belonged to the Evolutionary Biology Research Institute.
Recently, more interests are focused on food and agriculture. The museum has the responsibility to mediate the significant education and research activities of TUA with students, alumni, farmers, consumers, and businesses related to food and agriculture. Food education, environment conservation and bio-energy will be also our target as related to food and agriculture, The museum strongly hope to bring understanding the food and agriculture to various people with diversified back ground.
