by Jessica Gentile

In April 1968, student protesters occupied five buildings on Columbia’s campus, as a means of voicing discontent over the Vietnam war and University military recruitment, among other administrative policies. It was an powerful event that forever changed the dynamics between the student body and the administration.

The Columbia University Archives, a unit of the Rare Book and Manuscript Library, has just launched a new online exhibit which chronicles the causes and consequences of this tumultuous event. "1968: Columbia in Crisis" contains a wealth of material including historical documents, photographs and audio recordings from an era rife with social change. The multimedia exhibit, which stands as a great testament to student activism, also features a rich time line of events, contextual information and an extensive bibliography for further research. Be sure to check it out.

A comprehensive guide to these records can be found on the Library’s website.