Due to COVID-19, Barnard Library is closed until further notice, with continuing of select library services. Please understand there may be interruptions in service as we support staff in this challenging time. Reach out to library@barnard.edu about course reserves, materials renewals, or fines and other questions, and refdesk@barnard.edu for research consultations and library instruction. See the IMATS site for assistance with distance learning.

Visitor Access

We welcome visitors, including researchers and scholars not affiliated with a college or university, to use the Barnard Library collections on site. Please come to browse, read, and scan from our materials using our free scanners. Our seating for those not using the collections is priority for Barnard and Columbia undergraduates. During select times and days, an access card is required to enter collections areas; during these times, you may check out a free guest pass from the Circulation & Help Desk on the second floor of the Barnard Library at the Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning.

The Barnard Archives and Special Collections are open to external researchers by appointment.

Visiting Scholars with an appointment to the College or University at the recommendation of a dean, director, or chairperson of a department and with the approval of the Provost may register with the Columbia University Library Information Office for reading privileges in other Columbia Libraries. For more information, see their visitor information page.