Columbia University Libraries is committed to ensuring that the services offered by the Libraries are accessible to all patrons. In coordination with the Office of Disability Services, we work to accommodate the unique needs of our users. 

Researchers can explore the Disability Studies Research Guide for more library resources. 

Visitors to Columbia University with further questions regarding physical access and accommodation needs should contact the Visitors Center.

The Libraries work closely with the Office of Disability Services to support access to collections and services. For specific accommodation needs, please contact your case manager directly, who will work with the Libraries to meet those needs.

Some examples of library accommodations:

1. Lockers (Butler Library), which are assigned to individual users for full academic terms
2. Materials Reformatting and Delivery for print and media items in our collections
3. Software and Technology including assistive hardware, software, asynchronous closed captioning, and document remediation
4. Space Reservations
5. Specialized Furniture

The Disability Access Map provides helpful information to users on Morningside campus.

For each library, you can check hours and see information about study spaces.

We also offer physical booklets such as our Guide to the Libraries and Library Passports, which provide information and maps to all Columbia University Library locations. These can be found at service desk points in the Libraries.

Service animals are welcome to the Libraries. A service animal is a dog, or in some circumstances a miniature horse, trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. For more information, see the Service and Assistance Animals webpage.

If you need an accommodation for a specific Library location, please reach out to your case manager directly.

The Libraries offer a number of services to all current students, faculty, and staff members that may be useful for accessing Libraries collections:

1. Research Consultations: Receive one-on-one research help from a librarian. You may do so through the Ask A Librarian chat service or come to drop-in hours in Butler Library (3rd floor).

2. Pick-Up Service: The Pick-Up Service allows you to request library materials for pick up at participating library locations. The turnaround time is generally 3-5 business days; items that are housed in a library may be picked up at its home library or another location.

3. Scan & Deliver: Scan & Deliver allows you to request a short portion of a work be scanned by library staff and sent to you. These scans are sent to you as searchable PDFs to allow use with assistive technology. The turnaround time is generally 3-5 business days.

4. Self-Service Technology: there are a number of self-service scanners across library locations. The Digital Humanities Center, located in Butler 305, also has a number of self-service scanning, OCR, and media-editing services. Student staff are located in the room for any assistance you may need.

5. Room Reservation: current students may book rooms in Butler Library, the Business Library in Uris, Lehman Library, Science and Engineering Library, or the Social Work Library. These rooms may be used for group study, individual videoconferencing, or other study uses.

    

For any further information on accessibility specifically for Columbia University Libraries, please consult our Disability Services Liaison:

For all other questions about accessibility at Columbia University, please contact the Office of Disability Services.