Welcome to the Libraries!

The Columbia University Libraries offer a wide range of research, instruction, and borrowing services to support all levels of academic research.

Hours & Study Spaces

• Check the hours of our libraries, departments and services.

Finding Library Materials

• The Libraries' website is a gateway to collections and services.
• CLIO is the libraries' primary search interface. It provides access to many kinds of resources, including books, databases, journals, and articles. 
• Scan & Deliver enables students, faculty and staff to request electronic delivery of articles and book chapters from the general print collections of most Columbia Libraries.
• Borrow Direct enables you to borrow books directly from other university libraries if the book you need is unavailable or is not owned by Columbia University.
• Interlibrary Loan is the service to use for items that are not available through Borrow Direct, such as journal articles.
• Access to Other Libraries: Information on reciprocal access and on-site borrowing privileges at a number of other universities, including NYU. 

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of Butler Library, the Research Reading Rooms offer quiet study space along with non-circulating collections of relevant primary and secondary sources for particular disciplines. Of particular note are the Comparative Literature & Society reading room (room 615) and the Early Modern/Modern Europe reading room (room 504).

• African Studies (Room 607)
• American History & Literature (Room 502)
• Ancient & Medieval Studies (Room 603)
• Comparative Literature & Society (Room 615)
• Early Modern/Modern Europe (Room 504)
• Edward Said (Room 616)
• Islamic Studies (Room 602)
• Latin American Studies
  (Room 503)
• Moral & Political Theory
  (Room 504)
• Papyrology & Epigraphy
  (Room 604)
• South Asian Studies (Room 601)

There are librarians for just about every discipline here at Columbia. Feel free to reach out with any research need!

Directory of Subject Specialist Liaisons

Ask A Librarian

Need help?

You can ask a librarian through online chat, by email, phone, or in person. 

FAQ

Have a quick question?

Check for the answer in our frequently asked questions.