Access Policy

The primary role of the Gottesman Libraries is to serve the teaching, research and scholarly activities of students, faculty, staff and of 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.

Non-affiliates, researchers, and scholars from outside the Columbia campus, may make arrangements for visitor access to the Library by contacting the Security Office, and, in the case of foreign visitors, the Office for International Services. Non TC members and non affiliates are required to show a photo identification card to Security staff and/or to sign in at the main entrance to the campus.

For information on accessing the archives, please see the Application to Use the Archives of Teachers College.

Alumni

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

Guests of Teachers College Faculty, Students and Staff

Faculty and officers who plan to bring guests to the Library are encouraged to make arrangements in advance with the Security Desk. Students who wish to bring guests into the Library should consult with Security to determine the level of access to which their guest is entitled. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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 courtesy card referral 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.

Research Libraries Group (RLG) Members

Students, faculty, and academic or professional staff of RLG member institutions are entitled to reading privileges upon presentation of appropriate institutional identification to the Zankel Building Security Desk. Persons affiliated with RLG institutions located in the New York metropolitan area are governed by METRO (see above).

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.