Browse the stacks using the theatre call number range: PN2000-3299
Barnard Library in the Milstein Center: 3rd Floor
Butler Library: Stack Level 10
Milstein Undergraduate Library: Room 403 in Butler
The NYPL Catalog searches the circulating and non-circulating research collections at the New York Public Library, including those at the Billy Rose Theatre Division and the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive.
WorldCat searches libraries worldwide.
Search Tip: When searching subject headings, use the spelling THEATER not THEATRE.
There are benefits to using both Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Which service you should use largely depends on your research needs and the item you are trying to obtain. Most people use a mix of both services.
The following table outlines some specifics of Borrow Direct vs. ILL.
Borrow Direct | ILL | |
---|---|---|
Books | ● | ● |
Articles/book chapter scans (.pdf) | ● | |
Music scores | ● | ● |
Music CDs | ● | ● |
Non-book loans (DVDs, microfilm, dissertations, maps, etc.) | ● | ● |
Delivery in 3-5 business days | ● | |
16-week loan period | ● | |
Renewal option | ● | |
Subject to recall by lender | ● | ● |
International loans and articles | ● | |
Loans from a library other than the Borrow Direct partners (including public, law, medical, special collections, etc.) | ● |
Here are some sample scenarios that might help you decide which service to use.
I need to borrow a book that is checked out at Columbia. It is for a class assignment due in two weeks.
When speed is the issue for a loan, try Borrow Direct first. If the book is unavailable through Borrow Direct, try ILL. Keep in mind that ILL loans generally arrive within two weeks, which may be too late for your assignment. Adjust the "Not Wanted After Date" on the ILL form to reflect your actual deadline.
I need to borrow a multi-volume set or one volume from a multi-volume set.
Although both services can accommodate multiple-volume-set requests, Borrow Direct is the better choice for ordering several volumes at once. Indicate in the "Notes" field which volumes you need. Typically, partner libraries will send no more than 5 volumes at a time of larger sets. Please contact Borrow Direct staff if you need assistance (borrowdirect@columbia.edu).
I tried to place a Borrow Direct request for a book that Columbia does not own. Even though I find the book through a Borrow Direct catalog search, the system will not let me place a request. What are my options?
Place an ILL request for the item if it is unavailable in Borrow Direct.
I need to borrow a book for the semester. I know that a Borrow Direct library owns it. Should I use Borrow Direct or ILL?
Use Borrow Direct because the standardized loan period is 16 weeks, no renewals. ILL does offer a renewal option but both the loan period and ability to renew are at the lender's discretion. All loans are subject to recall.