Savanna Hoffman
Columbia University Libraries are the heart of the university's intellectual life, inspiring inquiry, advancing knowledge, catalysing discovery, and shaping inclusive discourse. They are open to a wide range of people, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other individuals associated with the university. However, access privileges vary depending on your affiliation with the university or other institutions. For example, NYU graduate students and faculty in art programs can access Columbia University Libraries with their NYU ID cards, while other NYU students, faculty, or staff may need referrals for specific items. Columbia University also offers library access to spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of university officers and students for a fee. Additionally, individuals can purchase a CU ID card for a one-time fee to enter the libraries and conduct personal research or reading.
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What You'll Learn
Visitors can access Butler Library
To enter, visitors must check in with a government-issued photo ID at the Library Information Office during business hours. The Library Information Office offers walk-in services on Mondays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm, and these hours are first-come, first-served.
If you are a visitor who is a spouse, domestic partner, or dependent (ages 13-18) of a Columbia University officer, you can purchase a Community CUID (Columbia University ID) for $20 plus $10 shipping. A Community CUID will grant you physical access and, in some cases, borrowing privileges.
If you are an alumnus of Columbia University, you can also purchase a Community CUID for free plus $10 shipping. Alternatively, if you are a Barnard alumnus, you can obtain a Community CUID by reaching out to the Barnard Library staff at [email protected].
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Alumni and retirees have access
Alumni and retirees can access most Columbia University Libraries with a valid Community CUID (Columbia University IDentification) Card. The Community CUID is a library card that grants physical access and, in some cases, borrowing privileges to a number of approved visitor groups.
Alumni of Columbia University enjoy free lifetime access to library services, including physical access to most Columbia University Libraries. They can also purchase borrowing privileges for a monthly fee. To continue having access to the libraries, alumni should apply for a Community CUID. Due to high demand and staff capacity, all Community CUIDs will be mailed to users after they are processed and printed. There is a fee of $10 to ship the card, and the processing time is approximately two weeks.
Alumni also have access to a selection of library e-resources, which only require an active UNI. Access to e-resources does not require a Community CUID.
If you are a retiree, you can access the libraries with a Columbia University ID. Retirees, researchers with appointments, and other approved visitors must check in with ID.
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Spouses and partners of students can enter
Spouses and domestic partners of Columbia University students are eligible for a Community CUID, which allows them to access Columbia University Libraries. There is a fee of $20 plus $10 shipping for the Community CUID, and it will be mailed to users after processing and printing. Due to high demand and staff capacity, processing time is approximately two weeks. If you need faster access, you can opt for walk-in services at the Library Information Office on Mondays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm. These walk-in hours are first-come, first-served.
To apply for a Community CUID, spouses and domestic partners of students must pay the required fee and provide the necessary documentation to prove their relationship status. This documentation may include marriage certificates, domestic partnership agreements, or other official documents. It is best to contact the Library Information Office or the relevant department to inquire about the specific requirements and process for obtaining a Community CUID.
Once spouses and domestic partners of students have their Community CUID, they can use it to access the Columbia University Libraries during regular business hours. They will need to present their Community CUID upon entering the library and may also be asked to provide additional identification for verification. It is important to note that the Community CUID does not grant unlimited access to all areas and resources within the library. There may be certain restrictions on specific collections or services, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the library's policies and guidelines for visitors and Community CUID holders.
In addition to accessing physical library spaces, spouses and domestic partners of students may also have the opportunity to utilize online resources provided by the Columbia University Libraries. However, remote access to electronic resources may be limited or restricted for non-students. It is recommended to consult with the library staff or refer to their website for detailed information regarding remote access privileges for Community CUID holders.
By offering library access to spouses and domestic partners of students, Columbia University recognizes the importance of supporting the academic pursuits of not only its students but also their spouses and partners. This initiative fosters a culture of lifelong learning and provides valuable resources to those associated with the university, contributing to a rich intellectual environment within the Columbia University community.
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Access through consortial partnerships
Columbia University Libraries offer access based on a number of consortial partnerships and reciprocal agreements. These affiliates are considered "Approved Visitors" to Columbia and may be eligible for physical access and borrowing privileges at the Libraries.
If you are a current student, faculty, or staff member at Columbia University, you can visit partner institutions through the following partnerships:
- The 2CUL partnership: This is a reciprocal access and borrowing program for students, faculty, and staff at Columbia University and Cornell University. It is important to note that this agreement does not include affiliates of the Weill Cornell Medical Library in NYC.
- MaRLI: Affiliates are eligible for a Community CUID, which grants them physical access to the Libraries. There is no fee for the initial Community CUID, but replacement cards cost $20. MaRLI users must first be registered through their home institution before applying for a Community CUID.
- Borrow Direct Plus: This partnership allows for free access, with a $10 shipping fee for the Community CUID.
If you are a student, faculty, or staff member at another institution, you may still be able to access Columbia University Libraries through consortial partnerships or special agreements that your home institution has with Columbia. These visitors are considered Temporary (Day) Visitors and can access Butler Library during LIO's open business hours or check out a Temporary Visitor CUID to access a department library. METRO referrals also provide courtesy access to many academic, school, public, and special libraries in New York City and Westchester County.
To learn more about accessing Columbia University Libraries as a visitor or through consortial partnerships, you can visit their Approved Visitors and Partnerships webpage or contact the Library Information Office at [email protected].
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Workshops and group sessions available
Columbia University Libraries offer a range of workshops and group sessions that are open to anyone at Columbia, including non-students. These sessions are typically held via Zoom and are designed to fit easily into your schedule, with weekly sessions lasting one hour or less.
One of the main types of workshops offered covers the basics of using the libraries. These sessions are suitable for anyone, regardless of prior library or research knowledge. They cover various aspects of digital publishing and scholarly communication, including support for podcasting and journal publishing programs. Frequent topics include podcast production and dissemination, editorial best practices for journal editors, and setting up and maintaining journals using Open Journal Systems (OJS).
The libraries also offer workshops to build critical data literacies and research computing skills. These sessions cover data-research techniques and tools such as data mining and analysis, text analysis, Python, relational databases, geographic information systems (GIS), and web mapping. The Foundations for Research Computing series provides informal training for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to develop skills in computation, software development, and computational problem-solving.
Additionally, there are hands-on workshops on using the CLIO catalog to find books and other library materials. The Database Demo session teaches participants how to effectively search various databases like ProQuest and JSTOR. Another workshop covers citation management using the free and easy-to-use software Zotero.
Overall, Columbia University Libraries provide a comprehensive range of workshops and group sessions to enhance library users' skills in finding, using, and publishing information and data. These sessions are designed to be accessible and applicable to individuals at all levels, from beginners to graduate researchers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, non-students can access the Columbia University Libraries. Visitors may access Butler Library by checking in with ID at the Library Information Office during business hours.
You can obtain a Columbia University ID card by visiting the Library Information Office in Butler Library and presenting a valid ID card from your home institution. If your home institution has a consortial partnership or special agreement with Columbia University Libraries, you may be eligible for access.
There is a $10 fee to ship Columbia University ID cards, and processing takes approximately two weeks.
In addition to students, staff, retirees, and alumni, Columbia University Libraries are also open to spouses and domestic partners of students or faculty, as well as individuals from partner institutions.
