CUL - Main Content

One of the oldest and largest repositories of archives and manuscripts in North America, the Manuscripts, Papers and Records Division is the University’s principal repository for original resources in nearly all subjects and academic disciplines.  Its collections range from the papers of founding fathers, literary, figures, historians, academics, economists, and publishers to the records of international human rights organizations.

Inventories and lists for many collections are remotely accessible via the Archival Collections Portal. Patrons can search across all repositories and collections held in the Columbia University Libraries.

Audio, Video and Time-Based Media

The RBML cannot provide access to original time-based media material which has not been first been reformatted for preservation. Researchers are welcome to examine archival time-based media items and decide whether they wish to place an order for Audio/Video reformatting. If copyright and/or condition restrictions apply, it may not be possible to digitize a requested item. Please note that A/V reformatting is handled by an outside vendor and typically takes 6-8 weeks. Please see the Orders & Services page for ordering instructions.