East Asian Library
The East Asian Library serves the WashU community as part of the WashU Libraries. It supports the teaching, study, and research needs of WashU’s East Asian Studies Program provided by the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures, and other academic departments, schools, and programs.
East Asian Library staff and collections also support the Joint Center for East Asian Studies of WashU and the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ academic programs. The East Asian Library has three levels of book stacks, a basement, and a reading room with over 100 seats, which is considered one of the best places to study on campus.
The Libraries began regularly purchasing major Chinese and Japanese materials in 1963. With the support of Professor Emeritus Stanley Spector, founder and chairman of the Department of Chinese and Japanese from 1963 to 1973, and an abundance of special grants from the Carnegie Foundation and government subsidies, the vernacular language collection for the program increased rapidly. Initially housed in Olin Library, these materials moved to a separate East Asian Library established on the second floor of January Hall in 1972.
Special collections materials are available in the East Asian Library. To make arrangements, please contact East Asian Library staff by phone at (314) 935-5525 or via email (ea@wumail.wustl.edu).
East Asian Library Collections
Learn more about the extensive East Asian collections housed at the East Asian Library in January Hall.
East Asian Special Collections
The East Asian Library houses about 800 volumes of rare and special books, manuscripts, and other types of materials in its special collection rooms.
East Asian Research Guide
Circulation Policies
Study Rooms
Technology in the East Asian Library
East Asian Library Reading Room has two public computers with installed CJK software, which provide access to the Libraries catalog, the Internet, and other resources. Headphones for general use within the East Asian Library are available at the circulation desk. The East Asian Library has one networked multi-function printer, which provides printing and scanning services to members of the WashU community (students, faculty, and staff). Learn more about printing and copying services (along with their associated costs).
Wireless network access is available in the East Asian Library. The WashU IT Wireless Network Access page provides information about using the network.
Browse East Asian Library Exhibitions
See all Exhibitions-
Exhibition Asia in St. Louis StoryMap
The Asia in St. Louis StoryMap exhibition explores the vibrant tapestry of Asian cultures nestled within the heart of the…View Exhibition about Asia in St. Louis StoryMap -
Exhibition Legendary: Horses and Classical Chinese Literature
Legendary is an exhibition inspired by Chinese culture and literature highlighting essential works from the East Asian Library’s Collection.View Exhibition about Legendary: Horses and Classical Chinese Literature -
Exhibition Chiura Obata, an Artist Behind Barbed Wire: 80 Years After the Incarceration
The Chiura Obata exhibition provides history on the artist’s incarceration and showcases paintings made during that period.View Exhibition about Chiura Obata, an Artist Behind Barbed Wire: 80 Years After the Incarceration
Our Staff
Contact
- Department
- East Asian Library
- Name
- Carmen Cochran
- Job Title
- East Asian Library Associate
- Email Address
- ccarmen@wustl.edu
- Phone Number
- (314) 935-5525
Contact
- Department
- East Asian Library
- Name
- David Romney
- Job Title
- Subject Librarian for East Asian Languages and Cultures
- Email Address
- romney@wustl.edu
- Phone Number
- (314) 935-5155
- Make Appointment
- Make an Appointment
Contact
- Department
- East Asian Library
- Name
- Joan Wang
- Pronouns
- she/her/hers
- Job Title
- East Asian and Chinese Studies Librarian
- Email Address
- joan.wang@wustl.edu
- Phone Number
- (314) 935-4816
- Make Appointment
- Make an Appointment
Directions to the East Asian Library
The East Asian Library is located on the second floor of January Hall, just southwest of the Quadrangle, north of the McDonnell Science Building (see campus map). It can be reached by stairs, beginning at the ground level near the School of Continuing & Professional Studies offices, or the elevator inside January Hall.
Wheelchair access is provided by elevator from the ground and all succeeding levels to the 3rd floor of Ridgley Hall, then over the bridge to the reading room of the East Asian Library, which is adjacent to the stacks.
January Hall
Second Floor
Phone: (314) 935-5525
Email: ea@wumail.wustl.edu
East Asian Library Intranet