Policies Governing Use of Library Spaces
Building Access
Yale Community
A valid Yale University ID Card permits access to Yale University Library buildings.
Non-Yale Users
- Users registered for stacks access or borrowing privileges: Access to Library facilities with the exception of the Marx and Divinity Libraries during all open hours with valid Yale university Library card.
- At this time, access to the Marx and Divinity Libraries requires a current Yale University ID.
- Marx & Divinity Library circulating physical collections may be requested for pick-up or in-house use at the Sterling Memorial or Bass Library.
- Marx & Divinity Library electronic resources are accessible via the Sterling Memorial Library public workstations.
- Access to Marx Library special collections is available by appointment. Please contact Stephanie Lopez, Head Access Services; at stephanie.c.lopez@yale.edu.
- At this time, access to the Marx and Divinity Libraries requires a current Yale University ID.
- Users registered for desk passes: Access to the Sterling Memorial Library and Bass Library until 6 p.m. or closing, whichever is earlier.
For explanations and fees of the types of access available to non-Yale users, check the Borrowing and Circulation Guide.
Please check with the specific Yale Library building for special rules and hours of operation.
Security of Collections and Appropriate Conduct
The preservation, safeguarding, and stewardship for the collections are the responsibilities of all members of the Yale University Community and its visitors. To achieve these goals, the Library has developed a security policy that is respectful of the individual’s right to access to materials and - at the same time - protects the Library’s unique and irreplaceable assets.
The following incidences are considered violations of the Library’s security policy for its collections and are applicable at all of the Library’s school & department libraries and special collections:
- Intended or attempted theft of library materials, including the concealment of library materials in personal effects (e.g., briefcase, outer garments) or on one’s person
- Removal of security devices from library materials or other mutilation of materials for the purpose of avoiding detection at Security Checkpoints
- Defacing, mutilating, or damaging library materials, equipment, or property
- Theft and/or possession of materials stolen from the Library
- Encouragement of another to steal, mutilate, or damage Library materials
- Sale of stolen Library materials is an egregious act that may subject its perpetrator to actions by the Library, the University, and local law enforcement
- Refusal to show University or other identification upon request of Library Staff, Library Security, University Police or Security, and/or local law enforcement
- Refusal to allow a check of personal possessions and books prior to departing the Library
- Sequestering library materials within the Library to restrict its use by others
- Remaining in the Library after closing hours
- Entering nonpublic or Library Staff areas without proper authorization
- Refusal to follow the direction of Library Staff during an emergency or a similar situation involving a breach of security
- Bringing alcoholic beverages into Library areas is not allowed; for details, see the Library’s food and beverage policy.
- Leaving bags, parcels, and packages on the premises
- Covering or in some way disengaging security cameras and other security devices
- Falsely reporting an emergency
- Departing the Library using emergency exits outside of times of emergency
- Conduct that is disturbing to other readers or detracts from the research, scholarship, and study environment of the Library
Please consult the websites of individual school and department libraries for specific security and access policies pertaining to their collections.
Disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, probation, suspension of Library privileges, etc., will be taken when any of the Library’s security policies are violated. The monetary value of the material taken and/or damaged is not a consideration in pursuing action by the Library, University, and/or local law enforcement.
Appropriate Use of Library Computers
Yale University Library maintains public computers in support of research and learning at Yale University. Specific implementation of this policy may vary from one library to another within the Yale University Library system.
Eligible Users
Yale University faculty, student and staff members may use any available public library computer located in areas where they have authorized access. Library staff may require individuals who are not affiliated with Yale University to substantiate an appropriate research purpose in order to use library computers.
Priority Access
Yale faculty, students, and staff can expect to have ready access to a computer, though sometimes with minimal delays at peak times. While the Library intends to provide ready access to computers, at times demand will exceed supply. When others are waiting researchers are asked to use reasonable restraint in the use of these shared resources.
Researchers with special needs. The Library will provide at least one wheelchair accessible computer in each major computer cluster within the library system. Persons requiring other assistance to access information from a Library’s workstation are urged to ask for help from Library staff.
Appropriate Use
The use of Library computers is subject to the same policies governing the use of other Yale University facilities, including all applicable state and federal laws, copyright restrictions, and license agreements. See Information Technology Appropriate Use Policy.
Tampering with the hardware or software on the computers is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in university disciplinary action or referral to appropriate external authorities.
Cell Phones in the Library
Photographing or Filming in Library Buildings
Professional photography
Permission to photograph in any Yale Library space must be approved in advance and in writing by Yale Library, with the exception of personal photography as defined at the end of this section.
For professional photography requests, please email Library Communications with a brief description of your project. Include purpose of the photo shoot, planned use of photos, your company or professional affiliation, requested locations, requested date and time, equipment beyond a handheld camera, and number of people involved. Please specify if the project has any connection to Yale or Yale Library. If the request has an academic purpose, include the program or class name, and name of your faculty advisor.
We regret that we cannot accommodate professional wedding or engagement photo shoots.
Filming requests
All filming requests must be approved by the university. Submit a filming request. Please allow at least ten days for your request to be reviewed. Visit the Filming at Yale website for more information.
if your photography or film request is approved, library staff will work with you to finalize time, location, and logistics, with an emphasis on avoiding disruption to the work of library users. In most cases, a member of library staff or other designated Yale representative must accompany any photographers or film crews.
Use of Electrical Power
If you need supplemental electrical power for cameras and/or floodlights, a University electrician must be in attendance to supervise the use of outlets and panel boards. For planning purposes, it takes one week to schedule the electrician.
Personal Photography
Picture-taking by sightseers using hand-held, self-contained cameras is allowed in public spaces of the library (unless otherwise posted) and as long as it does not interfere with the work of library users or staff. Photographers/filmmakers may not photograph or film library users or staff without written permission from Yale Library. Professional photographers taking pictures in library spaces for commercial use must request and receive approval following the procedures above.
Food and Drink
Yale University Library’s Food & Drink Policy is intended to preserve our library materials, computer equipment, and furnishings, and to maintain a pleasant and comfortable environment for our readers and staff. Your help in this effort is greatly appreciated.
Beverages
Unless otherwise posted, non-alcoholic beverages in approved containers may be consumed in the library.
Approved containers include:
- Spill-proof mugs with secure lids and a drinking hole that can be closed
- Sports bottles with a drinking spout that can be closed
- Water in capped plastic water bottles
Containers that are not considered acceptable include:
- Open cups or mugs
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles
- Paper or Styrofoam cups with or without lids
Non-Compliance
- Readers not complying with these policies will be asked to take the food or drink to a designated food area.
- Unattended food in a “no food allowed” area will be discarded as will unattended drink in unapproved containers.
Please dispose of all trash properly.
Designated Food Areas
| Library | Policy | Designated Food Area |
|---|---|---|
| Bass Library | Food and beverages allowed | All Bass Library Space |
| Beinecke Library | No food or beverages |
No area in building
|
| Classics Library | No food | No area in building |
| Divinity Library | No food |
Cafeteria, Common Room & Commuter Lounge
|
| Haas Arts Library | No food |
No area in building
|
| Law Library | No food | No area in building |
| Lewis Walpole Library | No Food or beverages |
Timothy Root House, next to the Library
|
| Medical Library | No food | Beverages in any container allowed in lobby seating area only. Beverages in approved containers anywhere in library. |
| Sterling Memorial Library | No food; certain collections/areas may restrict beverages also | Selin Courtyard |