East Asian Library

The East Asian Library serves the Washington University community as part of the Washington University Libraries. It supports the teaching, study, and research needs of Washington University’s East Asian Studies Program provided by the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures, and other academic departments, schools, and programs.
Library staff and collections also support the Joint Center for East Asian Studies of Washington University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ academic programs. The Library has three levels of book stacks, a basement, and a reading room with over 100 seats that is considered one of the best places to study on campus.
The Washington University Libraries began the regular purchases of major Chinese and Japanese materials in 1963. These materials were originally housed in the Olin Library; the East Asian Library was established in 1972 when the East Asian Collection was relocated to the second floor of January Hall.
Special collections materials are available for use in the library. Please contact East Asian Library staff by phone at (314) 935-5525 or via email (ea@wumail.wustl.edu) for arrangements.
Library Collections
Learn more about the extensive East Asian collections housed at the 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 Library
East Asian Library Reading Room has three public computers with installed CJK software, which provide access to the Library catalog, as well as access to the Internet and other resources. Headphones for general use within the library are available at the circulation desk. The library has one multi-function printer, which is networked and provides printing, copying, and scanning services to members of the Washington University 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. There is information about how to use the wireless network on the Wireless Network Access page.
The Art & Architecture Library and Arts & Sciences Creative Lab (Eads 007) have workstations for viewing VHS or DVD materials–including materials in foreign formats such as PAL or SECAM.
Faculty Course Reserves Request
Recommend a Purchase
Our Staff
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
Contact
- Department
- East Asian Library
- Name
- Carmen Cochran
- Job Title
- East Asian Library Associate
- Email Address
- ccarmen@wustl.edu
- Phone Number
- (314) 935-5525
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). The Library can be reached by stairs beginning on the ground level near the University College offices or the elevator inside January Hall. More about 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 Library, which is adjacent to the stacks.
January Hall
Second Floor
Phone: (314) 935-5525
Email: ea@wumail.wustl.edu
East Asian Library Intranet