Access Policy

The primary role of the Gottesman Libraries is to serve the teaching, research, and scholarly activities of students, faculty, staff, and Teachers College. To best fulfill this mission, access policies are in effect, requiring members of Teachers College and affiliated institutions, namely Columbia University, Barnard College, Union Theological and Jewish Theological seminaries, to show a member ID to Security staff upon entering the campus. A current TC identification card allows full reading and borrowing privileges at the Gottesman Libraries and throughout all of Columbia University Libraries.

Alumni

For information on all the services available to Teachers College Alumni, please visit the Alumni Services page.

Historical Researchers

Please refer to the Special and Digital Collections page if you are not affiliated with Teachers College and would like access or information on available services.  Historical researchers are encouraged to fill out the digital collections user application.  

METRO (New York Metropolitan Reference and Research Library Agency) Members

Residents of the New York Metropolitan area may use materials in the Gottesman Libraries when items are not available elsewhere in the city. New York residents must have a METRO Referral Card from their local institution or public library (including the New York Public Library). METRO Courtesy Cards should be presented to Security upon entering Zankel Building.

Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholar is a category of appointment to the College at the recommendation of a dean, director, or chairperson of a department. Visiting Scholars may register with the Office for Security, bringing documentation of the appointment.

For further information about access or borrowing privileges, please contact us.