Please note that restrictions may apply when trying to access Morningside campus. Please refer to Public Safety's Campus Access Levels webpage for guidance regarding access to campus before each visit.

Alumni of Columbia University enjoy free lifetime access to library services. 

When the building is open 24 hours, alumni may access Butler Library from 9am - 11pm.

These services include physical access to most Columbia University Libraries and the ability to purchase borrowing privileges for a monthly fee. For continued access to libraries, alumni should apply for a Community CUID (see information below). 

Alumni also have access to a selection of Libraries e-resources, which only require an active UNI. Access to e-resources do not require a Community CUID. Please see below for more information on accessing e-resources.

Learn more about Columbia alumni benefits and privileges.

Community CUIDs provide physical access to Columbia University Libraries. 

Once you submit an application, your Community CUID will be mailed to you. Application processing time is approximately two weeks. 

Apply for a Community CUID

If you prefer to receive your Community CUID sooner and you have Morningside campus access, you can schedule an appointment and fill out your application in person. You will receive your Community CUID the day of your appointment. Do not submit the online application for same-day service.

Schedule Same-Day Service

Borrowing privileges for onsite and offsite collections can be purchased in the Library Information Office for $30 per month. Borrowing privileges are not available at the Law School, Teachers College, or the Health Sciences libraries.

Alumni do not have access to the following services:

• Interlibrary Loan
• Borrow Direct
• Pickup Service
• Scan & Deliver 

Graduates of Columbia University, Barnard, Teachers College, and Union Theological Seminary have off-campus access to the following e-resources. To use these resources, alumni may need to activate their UNI or change their password at the Manage My UNI website.

Please use the links on this page for access. Using any other links to these databases will not allow alumni access.

For questions regarding resources, please contact the Library Information Office at lio@columbia.edu.