Columbia Blue Book Collection, 1895-1953, bulk 1903-1953

Summary Information

Abstract

Publication began in 1897 and the last Blue Book was published in 1953-1954 as a means to acclimate students to campus and the surrounding community. Information on student activities and clubs was provided as well as services in the community such as churches and social gatherings. Academic information and descriptions of faculty were also included.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in one series.

• Series I: Columbia Blue Book Collection

Description

Summary

Student handbooks or Columbia Blue Books were small pocket-sized guides to Columbia College on 49th Street and later to the University at Morningside Heights. They contain information and advice about the University and about New York City, usually with a street map attached. The information was reliable for its stated time period, and is a useful guide to student activities and student life during a particular year. Publications for the years 1897-1904, 1938-1939, 1941-1942, 1947-1948, and 1951-1952 are missing or were never published. The Black and Blue Book, published in 1921-1922, is a humorous satire of the handbook. The books have been encased in negative sleeves and boxed.

• Series I: Columbia Blue Book Collection

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Columbia Blue Book Collection; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Accrual

No additions are expected

Ownership and Custodial History

Collection formerly known as Columbia University Blue Book,1904/1905-1906/197, 1912/1913-1915/1916.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Marilyn Petit, updated by Allison Chambers. Finding aid written by Linda Arthur (SEAS 2014) in March 2014. Finding aid edited and encoded by Joanna Rios in March 2017.

Revision Description

2017-03-08 File created.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

The student handbook was published for many years by the Christian Association, the campus name for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), and starting in 1923-1924, by the Columbia Spectator. It appears that the last Blue Book was published during the University's bicentennial year, 1953-1954.The handbooks were meant to acclimate students to campus and the surrounding community. Information on student activities and clubs was provided as well as services in the community such as churches and social gatherings. Academic information and descriptions of faculty were also included.