| Construction Preparations Lead to Major Journal Access Changes |
April 2008
The Health Sciences Library (HSL) has substantially reduced its available on-site collection in recent months in preparation for planned construction in the Hammer Building. As a result, many of the library materials previously shelved on Lower Level 1 and Lower Level 2 are inaccessible until further notice. With few exceptions, journal articles that are not available electronically should be obtained by submitting a request:
Most books have already been moved off campus, and can be obtained by submitting a request:
Throughout the construction process this chart should explain how to obtain library materials at HSL.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get journals previously shelved on Lower Level 1 & Lower Level 2?
Will I be able to study in the library?
How can I borrow a book from the HSL collection?
How can I get an article from a journal that Columbia University Libraries do not have?
What about materials on Reserve?
How can I get a book from another Columbia University library?
How can I get a book that Columbia University Libraries do not have?
Will I be able to make photocopies?
What about Archives and Special Collections?
How will I figure out how to get what I need?
What library users can expect for the remainder of the Spring 2008 semester:
How can I get journals previously shelved on Lower Level 1 and Lower Level 2?
For journal articles not available electronically, you will need to submit a request form. You may also ask for help at the reference or circulation desk or send an e-mail to HSL’s reference staff: hs-library@columbia.edu.
Will I be able to study in the library?
Yes. The Lobby Level will not be affected during the Spring semester, so all the study space located there will still be available, although occasional disruptions may occur. Lower Level 1 is closed. To explore study space options, check the new study spaces inventory we have created.
How can I borrow a book from the HSL collection?
HSL’s books are currently being held in various locations. Some books will be kept on site at HSL throughout construction and afterwards. Some books have been transferred off campus.
Click here to submit a retrieval request form.
How can I get an article from a journal that Columbia University Libraries do not have?
The fastest way to get these journal articles is through Interlibrary loan. Before submitting an interlibrary loan request, be sure to search for the journal title in CLIO (http://clio.cul.columbia.edu) to verify that Columbia does not have a subscription to the journal you need.
Interlibrary Loan: http://library.cpmc.columbia.edu/hsl/reqmaterial.html
What about materials on Reserve?
Reserve materials will remain fully available throughout the construction process.
How can I get a book from another Columbia University library?
The HSL-Morningside delivery service remains the fastest and most convenient way to get books from libraries on the Morningside campus.
HSL-Morningside delivery: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/requestit/hsl_morningside.html
How can I get a book that Columbia University Libraries do not have?
The fastest way to get these books is through BorrowDirect (link provided below), a system in which selected university libraries share book collections. This service usually delivers books to HSL within just a few days after they are requested. Interlibrary loan (link provided below) is another option for getting books not owned by Columbia Libraries, although this service typically takes longer than BorrowDirect.
BorrowDirect: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/requestit/borrow_direct.html
Interlibrary Loan: http://library.cpmc.columbia.edu/hsl/reqmaterial.html
Will I be able to make photocopies?
The Photocopy Center and a self-service photocopy machine are available on the Lobby Level.
What about Archives and Special Collections?
The Archives & Special Collections reading room will be closed until further notice. For further information contact hslarchives@columbia.edu or 212 305-7931.
How will I figure out how to get what I need?
The library’s circulation and reference staff will provide expanded support to guide people through the best ways of accessing materials. Send any questions via e-mail to hs-library@columbia.edu
Keeping the community informed
The library will make every effort to minimize disruptions for students working to complete their degrees during the Hammer renovation. The library will maintain an up-to-date guide for locating library materials during the construction process, and it can be found at: http://library.cpmc.columbia.edu/hsl/information/state_coll.cfm. Announcements regarding the specific timing of construction and any resulting changes in library services will be provided through the library’s homepage (http://library.cpmc.columbia.edu/hsl/) and on the electronic display panel in the 24-hour student computer lounge.
Contact us
The library staff welcomes questions and comments. They should be sent via email to hs-library@columbia.edu.
For more information about the entire construction process—which will transform the lower levels of the library into a CUMC education center—click here to view the library’s previous announcements, from February 2007 and August 2007.
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