Visitors
University alumni, retirees, consortial partners, and other approved visitors may access most library locations with a valid Community CUID (Columbia University IDentification) Card. Approved Visitors without a Community CUID may present a physical, government-issued photo ID and check in for each visit at the Library Information Office.
Community CUIDs are library cards that grant physical access and, in some cases, borrowing privileges to a number of Approved Visitor groups.
If you currently have a Community CUID in your possession, please do not apply for a new one. If the expiration date on your Community CUID has not passed but your access and/or borrowing privileges have expired, please contact the Library Information Office directly to renew your privileges. The following people are eligible to apply for a Community CUID:
Alumni of Columbia University, not including Teachers College (free)
Spouses, domestic partners, and dependents (ages 13-18) of Columbia University Officers ($20)
Spouses and domestic partners of Columbia University students ($20)
Consortial partners: MaRLI, Borrow Direct Plus, 2CUL (free)
Jewish Theological Seminary faculty and students ($20)
There is typically a two-week wait time for cards. Special instructions will be provided via email for how to pick-up a Community CUID. Please do not visit campus until you receive an email notification that your Community CUID is ready for pick-up.
The Library Information Office offers walk-ins for CUID production during our drop-in hours on Thursdays, 1pm - 3pm. These drop-in hours are first come, first served. We are unable to accommodate walk-ins outside of these hours; thank you for your understanding.
Approved visitors to the Libraries generally fall into these categories:
Jewish Theological Seminary students, faculty and staff
Visitors eligible to apply for a Community CUID through LIO:
- Alumni (excluding Teachers College Alumni)
- Spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of Columbia University Officers
- Spouses and domestic partners of Columbia University students
- Consortial partners from MaRLI, 2CUL, and Borrow Direct Plus
Visitors with research or short-term event appointments, such as:
- Users with appointments in Special Collections
- Interview candidates or individuals with other appointments
- Users attending events, programs, or viewing an exhibition
- Consortial partners from SHARES, NYU, and METRO
Visitors eligible for a temporary Visitor CUID, such as:
- Faculty affiliated with other academic institutions
- Individuals sponsored by a Columbia University Officer with a letter of introduction
- Other special agreements as approved by the Libraries
Those who do not fall into the above categories may be eligible for access through another consortial partnership or special agreement that your home institution has with Columbia University Libraries. If you have questions regarding library access or your status as a Visitor, please contact the Library Information Office.