Slide & Video Library

The 35mm slide collection covers faculty research interests, images used in history courses, work presented by guest lecturers, and a survey of world architectural history from antiquity to the present day. In addition to 35mm and digital formats, the Slide Library owns a unique collection of antique lantern slides. Created using a technology that is no longer supported, the high-resolution lantern slides often present spaces and views that are the oldest and or completely unique surviving record of past places. These images can be viewed in the Slide Library during open hours.

Our digital image collection grows daily as staff archive and add new images selected by professors, critics or the student curators. Students, faculty, and friends of the school are encouraged to suggest additional images, taking an active role in the design of our collection.

Currently, to browse the digital collection you can visit 204 Fayerweather during open hours or make an appointment with a curator. We are continually partnering with Columbia University Libraries to work towards a more accessible database.

Videos may be borrowed for 7 DAYS with valid Columbia ID. Late fees apply to videos not returned on time. Current school year lectures are made available on DVD within 2-4 weeks of the lecture date and are available on iTunes U and YouTube. Requests for VHS lectures to be converted to DVD format may take up to 2 weeks. Search the GSAPP Events calendar for recent lectures or visit the Library to review the catalog of available videos.

As a student run facility, all GSAPP students are invited to apply for a staff position (Work Study eligibility preferred). Entering M.Arch students who work during Year 1 are eligible to apply for one of two Assistant Curator positions during Year II and the SVL Curator position during Year III. Curators work closely with the advisory faculty committee and are awarded tuition stipends.