Divinity Library
One of the world’s foremost theological libraries, the Divinity Library supports research and teaching across campus and around the globe.
We welcome students and researchers to our general and special collections. We are happy to host classes and collaborate with Yale and non-Yale instructors and librarians to introduce students to the use of primary sources, archival material, and research databases.
The library holds a pre-eminent collection for the study of global missionary movements. Our collections are also strong in:
- Biblical literature
- Christian theology (both historical and constructive)
- The history of Christianity
Our collections now total:
- more than 600,000 volumes of monographs, serials, and pamphlets
- more than 270,000 pieces of microforms
- more than 6,000 linear feet of manuscript and archival materials
Researching and Reference
Free Web Resources on Religion
An overview of free web resources for research in religion.
All Divinity Research Guides
Browse by topic.
Missions and World Christianity
A guide to researching missionary work.
About
Historical Overview
Yale Divinity Library traces its origins to the construction of the Sterling Divinity Quadrangle in 1932. At that time, three collections were moved from the old Divinity Quadrangle to the School’s new location at 409 Prospect Street: the Trowbridge Reference Library, the Sneath Library of Religious Education, and the Day Missions Library.
These three collections were each created for a special purpose; the Divinity School’s basic library services were provided by the Sterling Memorial Library. Nevertheless, each of these collections reflects a tradition of library service that continues today.
The Trowbridge Reference Library
The Trowbridge Reference Library was established in 1881 as a non-circulating reference collection, as a memorial to Henry Stuart Trowbridge. Before its move to the Sterling Divinity Quadrangle, the collection was always quite small. At the time of the move it numbered 8,518 volumes. This collection formed the basis on which the Divinity Library’s core collection was built, including:
- A comprehensive reference collection for the study of religion
- The core texts of theology, both in the original languages and in translation
- An extensive collection of secondary literature
The Divinity Library’s core reference collection is now housed in the Trowbridge Reference Room, continuing the tradition of the Trowbridge Reference Library.
The Sneath Memorial Library of Religious Education
The Sneath Memorial Library of Religious Education was established in 1919 as a memorial for Richard Sheldon Sneath. In 1932 the collection included 4,428 volumes. From this collection grew Yale Divinity Library’s collections supporting the practice of ministry.
The Day Missions Library
The Day Missions Library was established in 1891 by George Edward Day, a professor of Hebrew language and literature, and his wife, Olivia Hotchkiss Day. In 1932 the collection included 21,484 volumes – some two thirds of the Divinity Library’s original collection. This collection has continued to grow over the years, with support from the Day endowment and, since 1981, with income from a fund established by Kenneth Scott Latourette, a professor of missions.
The Day Missions Collection today makes up approximately one third of the Divinity Library’s 550,000 volumes, and constitutes the bulk of its manuscript and archival collection. Its scope has enlarged from a fairly narrow focus on training missionaries to become one of the preeminent collections documenting the thought, history, and practice of world Christianity. The Divinity Library’s core collection documenting missions’ history and world Christianity is housed in the Day Missions Reading Room. Access to manuscripts and archival material, as well as other material labeled “Restricted Circulation,” is through the Special Collections Reading Room.
Directions
The library is located in the Yale Divinity School; please use your valid Yale ID card to enter the building.
For Alumni
Access and Borrowing Privileges
Online Databases Available to Alumni
Other Resources
Scanning, Printing, and Copying
Public Workstations
Printing
Scanning and Copying
Divinity Library Special Collections
- Documentation of the Protestant missionary endeavor
- Religious work among college and university students
- Records related to American clergy and evangelists
- Personal papers of many Yale Divinity School faculty members
- Memorabilia and publications related to life at the Divinity School