Columbia University Libraries staff collaborate with instructors to incorporate archives and special collections—such as rare books and manuscripts—into the classroom. We offer instruction sessions tailored to the needs of the particular class. Staff are available to assist instructors in designing assignments best suited to their individual topics and goals. Please complete the form below, and a member of our staff will be in touch with you about your request.

Request an instruction session

Course session guidelines

• Availability is limited and instruction requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact us using the Instruction Request Form as soon as you decide to include Archives and Special Collections in your teaching.
  

• All instruction requests must be received before the start of the semester's classes in which the session will take place.

• Instructors must attend all sessions held. We strongly encourage booking sessions during your usual course meeting day/time.

• Every course session that convenes in Libraries spaces must be using Libraries materials.

• Assignments using Archives and Special Collections materials are welcome with advance notice. Please be in touch with us as early as possible to discuss the assignment, the materials being used, and the number of students in your course.

• For courses coming to the Libraries for the first time, a consultation with staff may be required.

• Libraries staff reserve the right to decline requests based on the condition or availability of materials. 

Instructors are able to request materials for their session via their Special Collections Research Account.