How can I see rare books in distant libraries?
Thursday, April 10th, 2008
MrTokyo asked:
I’m doing research on an obscure topic (involving English language diaries and travelogues written about a particular area in Japan). I’ve found several possible leads on materials I want to investigate via the internet library catalogue system (worldcat), but the few (old and rare) resources I need are all located in distant locations (university libraries, mostly). Is there ANY way I can get access to those materials without actually travelling to the libraries in person?!? Isn’t there SOME way to see these old books without spending thousands of dollars — especially when I can’t be certain they will really help my research?
I’m doing research on an obscure topic (involving English language diaries and travelogues written about a particular area in Japan). I’ve found several possible leads on materials I want to investigate via the internet library catalogue system (worldcat), but the few (old and rare) resources I need are all located in distant locations (university libraries, mostly). Is there ANY way I can get access to those materials without actually travelling to the libraries in person?!? Isn’t there SOME way to see these old books without spending thousands of dollars — especially when I can’t be certain they will really help my research?
ANY ideas are welcomed! THANKS.
(p.s.–internet availability of all books, I’m waiting for you!!)
Cortney