Yeah, this is the whole library

In the last installment of our library review series, Bwog reviews Journalism Library, the smallest library on campus. This library might be considered a “hidden gem”, or it might be considered too small to bother with – you decide.

Location: Pulitzer Hall, first floor. Go inside the Student Center and turn left.

Hours: 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays, closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Contact: (212) 854-0390; journalism@library.columbia.edu; http://library.columbia.edu/locations/journalism.html.

Seats: Five total; four at a circular study table, and one a computer desk.

Amenities:

  • Printers: None.
  • Scanners: None, but there’s a photocopier next to the computer.
  • Lighting: The room is brightly lit by fluorescent lights, and by sunlight during the day. You probably won’t doze off in here.
  • Chairs: The chairs at the circular table are plastic hard-backed, while the chair at the computer table is a softer swively chair.
  • Outlets: There’s a long power strip next to the circular table.
  • Computers: Just one. Pretty standard.
  • Bathrooms: You have to go outside the Student Center and down to the first floor for both men’s and women’s bathrooms.
  • Water Fountains: One fairly old water fountain (no water bottle filler or anything) outside in the Student Center.
  • Food/Drink: Food and drink are allowed!
  • Windows/View: One large window gives a view of the Ferris/Pulitzer plaza. And the door to the Student Center is glass, so there’s a view of a lot of journalism students.
  • Smoking:
  • Books: The Journalism Library has volumes on (you guessed it) journalism, including both reference and circulating books. It also has current periodicals and the most recent five years of Master’s projects and M.A. theses completed by graduates of the J-School.
  • Bonus: Just outside in the Student Center is Up Cafe – which we hear has great nitrogen brew.

Atmosphere: The tiny size of this library gives it a more personal, homey feeling – kind-of like a floor common room, except with a bunch of journalism volumes and a previous owner of the NY Times staring at you. But the small size is both a blessing and a curse, as it starts to feel claustrophobic after a while.

Favorite Spot: Right at the computer, also known as right in front of the huge portrait of Arthur Sulzberger. His expression may not be too judgmental, but his watchful eyes will help persuade you that yes, that paper needs to get written right now.

Recommendation: The Journalism Library is a good spot if you’re looking to get away from the stress and crowds of Butler, or if you really, really, really want to avoid an ex. Alternatively, if for some reason you’re particularly itching to hook up with a J-School student, this is the place to do it. But other than that, this library might not be worth the trip.