Butler Library

Butler Library, the largest of Columbia's libraries, houses collections in the humanities, history, government documents, social sciences, literature, philosophy, and religion. The building also houses numerous service points and special collections, including the Library Information Office, the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and Research & Teaching Support Services.

Librarians in this library

The broad range of collections and services in Butler Library are supported by over 200 dedicated experts, subject specialists, and other staff members in addition to the librarians listed below.

Ian Beilin

Meet with me

West European Studies Librarian

Humanities & History

igb4@columbia.edu

(212) 853-0627
Butler Library - 309 Butler Library

Nancy Friedland

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Librarian for Butler Media, Film Studies, & Performing Arts

Humanities & History

nef4@columbia.edu

(212) 854-7402
Butler Library - 309 Butler Library

Pamela M. Graham

Director, Humanities & Global Studies; Director, Center for Human Rights Documentation & Research

Global Studies
Humanities & History

graham@columbia.edu

(212) 854-3630
Butler Library - 309B Butler Library

Center for Human Rights Documentation & Research - 318 International Affairs

Global Studies - International Affairs

Jeremiah R. Mercurio

Head, Humanities and History

Humanities & History

jrm2282@columbia.edu

(212) 853-1478
Butler Library - 309A Butler Library

Sydni Meyer

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Teaching and Undergraduate Services Librarian

Humanities & History

sm3871@columbia.edu

212-853-4706
Butler Library - 309G Butler Library

John L. Tofanelli

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British and American History and Literature Librarian

Humanities & History

jt628@columbia.edu

(212) 854-4356
Butler Library - 309 Butler Library

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Services & Tools

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Workshops & Drop-In Help

Workshops
Drop-In Help

Collections

Explore newly available and featured collections related to this library

Black Journalists Oral History Project

Reminiscences of Bobby Bowen

Alexander Gumby Scrapbooks

The Spirit of 1968

A Brief History of Anti-Black Violence and Policing at Columbia University

In the School of Wisdom: Persian Bookbinding ca 1575-1890

John Brown and Harper's Ferry

How Harlem Became Radical

Software

Browse software resources available in this library

Software

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News

Browse news and announcements about the Libraries

Columbia University faculty and students can now enjoy instant access to thousands of ebooks on their mobile devices with the introduction of Taylor & Francis to the Palace Project app, which provides readers with secure and streamlined connection to a vast range of resources.

Prior to Independence Day, Ruggles Professor of Political Science Ira Katznelson, who chaired the jury for the 2026 Bancroft Prizes in American History and Diplomacy, weighs in on what a clear-eyed understanding of the past means for democratic patriotism today.

Beginning in July 2026, Ithaka S+R will convene a cohort of 15-20 colleges and universities, including Columbia University Libraries, to explore how existing information literacy frameworks can be adapted and revised to reflect the changing realities of an AI-driven information ecosystem.

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Butler Library

Ian Beilin

Nancy Friedland

Pamela M. Graham

Jeremiah R. Mercurio

Sydni Meyer

John L. Tofanelli

Black Journalists Oral History Project

Reminiscences of Bobby Bowen

Alexander Gumby Scrapbooks

The Spirit of 1968

A Brief History of Anti-Black Violence and Policing at Columbia University

In the School of Wisdom: Persian Bookbinding ca 1575-1890

John Brown and Harper's Ferry

How Harlem Became Radical

Software

Taylor & Francis eBooks Available on the Move for New York University and Columbia University Users through the Palace app

2026 Bancroft Jury Chair Ira Katznelson on Historical Scholarship and Democratic Patriotism

AI Literacy: Join the Latest Cohort