Columbia University Archives

Reading Room Access: The RBML reading room is open on a very limited basis by appointment only to current Columbia affiliates (students, faculty and staff) whose individual research requires consulting RBML materials. Unaffiliated visitors are not permitted in Columbia University buildings at this time. Request an appointment.
Order Reproductions: Our ability to deliver low-resolution digital scans is dependent on available staff resources. A limited number of staff are working on-site due to University-mandated density limitations. We appreciate your patience and flexibility. Limited reproductions of materials may be requested. See the RBML's Orders & Services page for details.
The University Archives is collecting materials to document the coronavirus pandemic. We are looking to hear from a diverse set of voices about your lived experience and to learn about your new everyday lives. Historians of the future will want to know how we spent our days during these tumultuous times. We invite you to be an active participant in documenting our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit our Documenting COVID-19 information page to find out how you can contribute and participate.
The Columbia University Archives staff has put together some Research Guides to help you take advantage of our holdings. For each type of search, you will find the most popular resources available and how to access them: some online and some in person. The guides focus on alumni, faculty, course descriptions, Master's essays and dissertations, and buildings and grounds information.