Directions to the University Archives


The University Archives (located on the Columbia University campus in Morningside Heights) resides within the Rare Book and Manuscript Library (RBML), which itself is located on the sixth floor of Butler Library.

Butler Library is on 114th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue and is recognizable by its columned facade decorated with the names of world authors and U.S. statesmen.  To access the Butler Library entrance, you will have to enter the Columbia campus from Amsterdam Avenue or Broadway at 116th Street.

If you do not have a valid Columbia ID card, please proceed to the Library Information Office to the left of the library entrance in front of the security desk. Here you will indicate you are conducting research in the RBML and will also have to present valid, government issued photo ID in order to obtain entrance to the library. When you have passed the security desk, follow the hallway left and take the elevator to the 6th floor.  The entrance to RBML is through the glass doors at the end of the hallway, to your right.  Lockers are located just outside the entrance for the use of our patrons. Locker keys are available at the front desk.