New Student Guide

Welcome to The Cooper Union Library!

We put together a brief guide with some of the basics you need to know to take advantage of the library resources and services available to support your academic and creative work.

The most important thing to know is that we are always happy to help, so don't hesitate to reach out via chat, email or phone with any questions you have or problems you encounter. 

Using The Cooper Union Library

Located on the ground floor of the Foundation Building, The Cooper Union Library is open seven days a week, but hours vary, so check the hours page before venturing over. 

Searching for Books, Articles and Other Resources

The search box on the Library's homepage is the primary tool you can use to find books, journal articles and a host of other resources. 

The first tab, "Books & More," searches the Cooper Union library collections, as well as those of New York University, The New School, the New York School of Interior Design, and others. 

The second tab "Articles and Databases" takes you to an A-Z list of The Cooper Union Library's collection of ebooks, ejournals and other databases you can access anywhere on campus and remotely (more on that below).

The third tab lets you search for a specific E-Journal, and the fourth tab searches lets you search for Course Reserve readings.  

Checking Out Books

Your Cooper Union ID card is your library card, so bring it with you in case you find a book your can't live without. More detailed information on the services and policies can be found on the Checkout, Renew, Return page. 

Consulting with a Librarian 

If you're having trouble finding just the right resource, or need help defining what exactly it is you're looking for, you can easily schedule a one-on-one research consultation with one of our subject specialists.

Connecting Remotely

As excited as we are to welcome you back to the Library, we know that it's not always possible or convenient to stop by.

Searching for Books, Articles and Other Resources

Fortunately, the Library's online resources, including ebooks, e-journals, and databases containing various information sources, are accessible from anywhere. All you need is the 14-digit barcode number on the back side of your Cooper Union ID card.

The first time you click on the link to the resource you need, you will be taken to an interim page where you can enter the number (no spaces or dashes). If you see the message "That number was not accepted" you can email circulation@cooper.edu and they will resolve the issue. 

Requesting an Item for Pick Up or eDelivery

If you need a book or article—whether it's in The Cooper Union Library, one of the consortium libraries, or even if you're not sure who has it, you can submit a request and we will email you when it is ready for pick-up. Or, if you just need an article or chapter, we will email it to you directly. 

Consulting with a Librarian 

Our librarians are also available for online research consultations. Whether you have a quick question or a complex assignment, you can chat, email or set up a consult via Zoom.

Using Consortium Libraries 

In addition to the information resources of The Cooper Union Library, you also have access to the libraries of New York University, The New School, the New York School of Interior Design and Cardozo School of Law.

Current Restrictions 

Unfortunately, due to the health and safety concerns over the COVID-19 variants, access to consortium libraries is currently restricted, but we are monitoring the situation and working closely with our colleagues to open our libraries to everyone as soon as possible. We will communicate with you as the situation evolves. 

In the meantime, we encourage you to submit a request for anything you need, from any of these institutions, and we will get it for you as quickly as we can.