Directions to the U.S. Government Documents Collection

There is no separate U.S. Government Documents collection in the Columbia University Libraries. CLIO has records for most U.S. government depository titles, indicating the location in one of the campus libraries, according to subject. Some materials (primarily pre-1976 Congressional documents) still can only be identified and located through the card catalogs in the Butler Library Reference Department. Most print documents published since 1976 are now located in the Offsite storage facility. The CLIO records will indicate this location and provide a means for recalling the items from off-site on request. U.S. depository items on microfiche are located in the microfiche cabinets on the second level of Lehman Library. There are CLIO records for microfiche items, which give the location as Lehman U.S. Government Documents. Microfiche must be used in Lehman Library and do not circulate.

From College Walk (the pedestrian boulevard corresponding to W. 116th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave.), walk East along College Walk to Amsterdam. The building across Amsterdam on the NE corner is the Law School. Cross Amsterdam and turn North, walking up to W. 118th Street. At the corner of Amsterdam and W. 118th Street is the location of the SIPA building. Turn East again, and the entrance to the SIPA building is on the right, in the middle of the block.

NOTE: The entrance to this building is secured on evenings, weekends, interssessions, and holidays. You will need a Columbia I.D. to show a guard or to use in a swipecard to enter the building at these times. Entry to the libraries is secured at all times. Those without a Columbia I.D. should first visit the Library Information Office (LIO) 201 Butler Library for information on library privileges for non-affiliates.

You enter the SIPA building on the fourth floor. Pass through the elevator lobby, and you will see stairs on either side going down. The entrance to Lehman Library is there, on the 3rd floor. Please ask for assistance at the Circulation Desk in the lobby.