Visitors
University alumni, retirees, consortial partners, and other approved visitors may access all library locations with a valid CUID. Visitors without a CUID must present a valid government-issued ID and check in for each visit at the Library Information Office.
If you currently have an active Columbia University ID, no need to apply for a new one.
Those who fall into the following categories are eligible to apply for a CUID:
Alumni of Columbia University (affiliates from TC must get their alumni card at TC)
Spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of Columbia University Officers (one time $20 fee)
Spouses and domestic partners of Columbia University students (one time $20 fee)
Already-approved consortial partners: MaRLI, Borrow Direct Plus, 2CUL
There is typically a 2-week wait time for cards. Please don’t come in until we email you to let you know it’s ready for pickup.
We cannot currently accommodate walk-ins.
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 purchase access to Columbia University Libraries. Contact the Library Information Office for more details.
If you have questions regarding library access or your status as a visitor, including arranging access for spouses and domestic partners, please contact the Library Information Office prior to your visit.