Library Access | Policies

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Library Access

Policy regarding library access.

Owner: Gottesman Libraries

The primary role of the Gottesman Libraries is to serve the teaching, research and scholarly activities of students, faculty, and staff of Teachers College. To best fulfill this mission, access policies are in effect, requiring members of Teachers College and affiliated institutions, namely Columbia University, Barnard College, Union Theological and Jewish Theological seminaries, to show a member ID to Security staff upon entering the campus. A current TC identification card allows full reading and borrowing privileges at the Gottesman Libraries and throughout all of Columbia University Libraries.

Alumni

Alumni are welcome to use the resources of the Gottesman Libraries, both print and online, within Russell Hall for no fee. Alumni of Teachers College may visit the Alumni Affairs Office to procure documentation needed by the Security Office for access to the Gottesman Libraries. Alumni may also purchase a membership that covers borrowing privileges and/or remote access to electronic resources and PocketKnowledge, the digital repository and social archive; the annual membership of $100 for access to e-resources may be paid online using a credit card.   Borrowing fees for books are an additional $30.00 per month, also payable online.

Guests of Teachers College Students, Faculty, and Staff

Students, faculty, and staff who plan to bring guests to the Library are encouraged to make arrangements in advance with the Security Desk. Students who wish to bring guests into the Library should consult with Security to determine the level of access to which their guest is entitled.

METRO (New York Metropolitan Reference and Research Library Agency) Members

Residents of the New York Metropolitan area may use materials in the Gottesman Libraries when items are not available elsewhere in the city. New York residents must have a Metro courtesy card referral from their local institution or public library (including the New York Public Library). METRO Courtesy Cards should be presented to Security upon entering Zankel Building.

Research Libraries Group (RLG) Members

Students, faculty, and academic or professional staff of RLG member institutions are entitled to reading privileges upon presentation of appropriate institutional identification to the Zankel Building Security Desk. Persons affiliated with RLG institutions located in the New York metropolitan area are governed by METRO (see above).

Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholars who have been issued TC identification cards have full Teachers College library access.   For questions about visiting scholar appointments see https://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/provost/visiting-scholars/

Responsible Office: Gottesman Libraries

Effective Date: January 2015

Last Updated: January 2015

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