Using Collections

All Columbia University Libraries Special Collections are open by appointment to current Columbia students, faculty, and staff and to external visitors.
External visitors are defined as all persons not actively affiliated with Columbia University. Special Borrower card holders, alumni, staff retirees, and all other visitors without an active UNI.
To request and use special collections materials, all users must first register for a Columbia University Libraries Research Account online and validate it in-person with a government-issued photo identification or a valid Columbia ID.

Requirements for External Visitors:

1. All external visitors, including alumni, must adhere to the University's COVID-19 policies.
2. Masks are strongly recommended and will be provided if you need one.
3. Visitors with confirmed appointments must follow the instructions provided by staff at the specific library location where they are visiting. Visitors may not bring guests unless authorized in advance by library staff.

By making an appointment, all users agree to:

• Abide by the University's COVID-19 policies
• Arrive for your appointment on time and leave when your designated time is over, if required.
• Contact library staff to cancel or reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell.

Instructions for placing requests may be found under New Requests. Details about the requests you have placed may be found under Requests.
For a more detailed listing of services offered by the Columbia University Libraries Special Collections, including reading room policy and reproduction services, visit the links below for further information.

Appointments

Care and Handling