Libraries

// Columbia University

Columbia University Libraries are a beautiful place to study.

Columbia University Libraries is a comprehensive research library system comprising over seventeen million volumes and over one hundred specialized research centres and collections.

The libraries are a great place to study. There are many study spaces, and you can find books on almost any topic. The libraries also have many services, like photocopying and printing. And because they’re open to students and faculty alike, it’s easy to find help when needed!

Library Hours for all locations

The Library is open to the public 24 hours a day, except for some locations closed on weekends. Please see below for the specific hours of each location:

The Jerome L Greene Science Library (main building) is open from 8:00 am - 12:00 midnight Monday through Friday and 9:00 am - 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
International Affairs Building (IAB) is available from 8:00 am - 12:00 midnight Monday through Friday and 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Butler Library has extended evening hours during finals week (December 17th-21st). It will be open until 10 pm Tuesday through Thursday nights during this period; other days/times are the regular operating hours listed above for both Butler Library locations.

Access Privileges

All students, faculty and staff can access the libraries. Students may borrow books from any library or bring their own to be checked out. All members of the Columbia community are welcome to use Columbia University computer labs (which contain both Macs and PCs) for research purposes; however, if you need to use a printing device or scanner, please see below for policies regarding those services.

Students may also borrow laptops at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis in Butler Library during the academic year and Hamilton Hall during the summer session.

Find STUDY SPACES

The libraries offer many study spaces, including quiet areas, spaces with power outlets and spaces with computers.

You can find a quiet place to study in the Butler Library (Main Campus) or the Journalism Library (School of Journalism).
Use your laptop in the Main Reading Room on the fourth floor of Butler Library (Main Campus). The room overlooks Washington Square Park and has windows that open onto it. It’s also near Cornell Hall, which houses several offices for faculty members available for consultation on research projects. For more information about using this space and other resources at Columbia University Libraries, please visit Columbia University website at http://www.columbia-libraries.edu/about/locations/.

Who can visit library locations?

Visitors are welcome to use the libraries for research purposes. Visitors may not borrow materials or check out any items. Visitors must provide a valid ID when using library resources and services, so please bring your driver’s license or passport with you when visiting Columbia University Library!

BORROW, REQUEST, RENEW

You must visit one of Columbia University library locations in person to borrow materials. You can also request items from other libraries through interlibrary loan (ILL). However, not all materials are available through ILL, and some may have long wait times before they become available. If you need something immediately or an item unavailable through ILL, please ask their circulation desk for assistance.

Renewing Items: If an item has been checked out by another patron or placed on hold by another patron who needs it more than you do, check back later in the day when they have confirmed that no one else needs the book before renewing again!

Request Items & Services

You can request items and services from Columbia University Libraries.

Request items: You can request books, journal articles and other materials for in-library use only by filling out this form. If you request a book that is unavailable at your branch library, there may be delays depending on demand for the item and its availability elsewhere in the system.
Request services: You can also request interlibrary loan (ILL) services through this form. Your requests will be sent electronically to libraries across the country who have agreed to provide such service on behalf of CUL; they will respond directly with their terms of use and fees, if applicable, before delivering any materials requested by patrons through our ILL service program.