Access Policy

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 present and tap their institution issued ID at a Public Safety post upon entering the campus. (Please note: Those affiliated institutions not on the Columbia University ID system are required to enter the College at Zankel Building and present their ID to Public Safety who will issue them a daily pass for access.) 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 Public Safety for access to the Gottesman Libraries. Borrowing fees for books are $30.00 per month, payable online. Teachers College alumni have access to all Columbia University-wide Alumni E-Resources via the CUL Alumni Portal. For more information, please see Alumni Services.

Historical Researchers

Please refer to the Special and Digital Collections page if you are not affiliated with Teachers College and would like access or information on available services.  Historical researchers are encouraged to fill out the digital collections user application.  

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 Referral Card 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.

Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholar is a category of appointment governed by the Visiting Scholars Policy. Visiting Scholars may register with Public Safety, by entering the College at Zankel Building and bringing documentation of the appointment. Visiting Scholars should present their ID to Public Safety who will issue them a daily pass for access. Visiting Scholars who have been issued TC identification cards have full Teachers College library access. For questions about visiting scholar appointments, see Visiting Scholars Policy.

Guests of Teachers College Students, Faculty,  and Staff

Students, faculty, and staff who plan to bring guests to the Library are required to have their guest enter the College at Zankel Building and present their ID to Public Safety who will issue them a daily pass for access. For further information about access or borrowing privileges, please contact us.

For further information about access or borrowing privileges, please contact us.

For related policies, please see the College-Wide Campus Access Policy.