Using the Tibetan Collection

At present, our online catalog is not capable of displaying Tibetan script. Therefore, our records follow the Library of Congress Transliteration system for Tibetan titles, authors, and publishers. The Library of Congress system of transliteration is very similar to the Wylie romanized system most often found in western scholarly works, with only a few minor differences.

Click here for a .pdf version of the ALA Transliteration Chart

Note that many popular books and internet sites use non-standard forms of spelling which are based on how Tibetan words sound when pronounced, leaving out the many silent letters.

When searching the computer for Tibetan language authors, titles, or subjects, remember to include all silent letters or no result will be obtained. However, if you are searching a non-Tibetan book with Tibetan subject matter, a non-standard keyword search may yield results if the spellings match the popular ones employed in the particular book.

Although several punctuation marks are used by the Library of Congress system to differentiate sounds, when inputting a search in CLIO, do not use punctuation.

This situation has changed, and responsibility for Tibetan works from all sources is now centered in the Starr East Asian Library. However, because of space and format considerations, not all materials can be consolidated in one location. Traditional Tibetan texts (dpe-cha) are shelved in the Tibetan Reading Room at Lehman Library, while modern-format books and most other materials are processed at the Starr Library (300 Kent Hall.)  It is important to remember that at least 40% of the modern-format titles are stored offsite at RECAP, but can be requested for pick-up with 24-hours' notice.  A few rare titles are housed at the Rare Book and Manuscript Library on the (Butler, 6th floor), or in the Special Collections at Starr. Please see the CLIO record for location details, or contact the Tibetan Studies Librarian (lh2112@columbia.edu) if you have any question.

ONLINE ACQUISITIONS

In addition to titles received in bulk through SACAP (successor to the PL480 program), the Starr Library actively orders titles published in Tibetan regions of China, and from commercial vendors covering India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and other areas.

Since January 2008, acquisitions ordering for Tibetan titles is done online. Thus, researchers can immediately know when a title has been selected, and estimate when it might arrive.  In addition, preliminary records are now entered for materials received, but for which no full record is available. To access these materials, please send an email with the pertaining title to the Tibetan Studies Librarian (lh2112@columbia.edu).

HOLDINGS POLICY (since 1998)

Tibetan Language 

Loose-leaf format traditional texts  --  housed in Lehman Library's Tibetan Reading Room.

Western-style books, both monographs and facsimile reproductions of traditional texts --  housed in Starr East Asian Library's regular stacks.

Rare and Special items -- Starr Library's Special Collections area, or the Rare Book and Manuscript Library (6th floor of Butler Library).

Serials -- unbound recent issues displayed in Starr East Asian's main reading room; bound issues of previous two years are shelved in Starr's regular stacks; earlier issues are bound and stored offsite. Available for two-week loan.

Newspapers -- Current issues available in Starr East Asian's main reading room serials alcove.

Reference works -- housed in Starr East Asian's main reading room; some duplicate copies in Lehman's Tibetan Reading Room. Tripitaka is housed with other language editions on the 250 stack level of Starr.

Chinese and Japanese Works 

All secondary scholarship on Tibetan subjects in these languages is located in the Starr East Asian Library.

Western Language Works 

Most English, French, and German scholarship on Tibetan subjects is now housed in Starr, except for items purchased specially by Barnard College or by the Avery Art & Architecture Library, or College Reserves.