Rare Book & Manuscript Library | Columbia University Libraries

Hieronymus Tochtermann, [Specimens of illumination and Calligraphy], 1754, p. 12. George Arthur Plimpton Manuscripts 093 1754

Hieronymus Tochtermann, [Specimens of illumination and Calligraphy], 1754, page 12. … Read More »

Demonstration in front of Hamilton Hall against Marine recruiting, April, 21, 1967. … Read More »

Blue-vested canons of S. Giorgio in Alga kneeling before Sts. Peter and Paul … Read More »

Edward Penfield (1866-1925). Chromolithograph poster for Harper's New Monthly Magazine. … Read More »

Nicholas II Coronation Menu, Moscow May 19, 1896. Soiuz Pazhei Papers. … Read More »

Cheerleaders at Columbia football game, undated. Photo from Alumni News. … Read More »

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2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR AT RBML: WHAT TO EXPECT

Digital Resources: Many resources are available online. You can access them by following the links listed below. You can also learn more about how RBML is documenting COVID-19 at Columbia. In addition, we will continue to post news stories about collections and initiatives.

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: Limited reproductions of materials may be requested. See our Orders & Services page for details.

Research & Teaching Support: RBML staff are available to assist faculty with online teaching and to support students with research projects and assignments. Contact us for assistance.

Exhibitions: Our exhibition galleries are closed for the moment but Online Exhibitions are always available.

RBML Search Tools

CLIO

The Columbia University Libraries online catalogue is a primary tool for locating RBML materials.

Archival Collections Portal

This portal provides access to records of archival collections at Columbia University Libraries, including finding aids, collection descriptions and available digital content, such as online exhibits and images.

Oral History Portal

Use this portal to explore the collections of the Columbia Center for Oral History (CCOH) Archives at RBML.

Quick Links

New Online Exhibit

Insistent Change: Columbia's Core Curriculum at 100

In 1919 Columbia instituted a course of study known as Contemporary Civilization. It grew out of a War Issues course offered during World War I and was required of every student in order to provide all with a forum to analyze and discuss primary texts relevant to contemporary problems. Proceeding roughly by decade, this exhibition shows how the course transformed and developed over the years. By also focusing on the development of the Core Curriculum as a whole, the exhibition explains how CC's faculty, administrators and students have worked together to keep the course relevant through a succession of crises and changes in the broader political, economic and social realms in the country and the world.

This online exhibition is based on a physical exhibition of the same name which was on display in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library in February and March 2020.