Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Columbia University. Christian Association and Columbia University. Young Men's Christian Association
- 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.
- Extent:
- 1.33 linear feet and 2 boxes
- Language:
- English .
- 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.
Background
- Scope and Content:
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.
- 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.
- Custodial history:
Collection formerly known as Columbia University Blue Book,1904/1905-1906/197, 1912/1913-1915/1916.
- 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.
- Arrangement:
This collection is arranged in one series.
- Accruals:
No additions are expected
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
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.
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
6th Floor East Butler Library535 West 114th St.New York, NY 10027, United States
- CONTACT:
-
(212) 854-5590rbml@library.columbia.edu