COVID Library Updates
Library access for visitors
May 22, 2023 As of May 15, 2023, the University “strongly encourages” but does not require all visitor to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. Visitors are responsible for reviewing and complying with all current visitor requirements before visiting campus.
Visitors are welcome to public spaces in most library locations during designated daytime hours when Yale ID is not needed for entry. For details, please see the building and hours pages for each location. Tour groups are not allowed.
Visitors may sign up for a Yale Library account to use and/or borrow from our general collections with a range of free and paid options.
Library hours and access may shift without notice in response to weather, changing pandemic circumstances, or University guidance. Always check hours on the library website and the latest visitor policies before coming to campus. (Yale Library hours listed in Google are not always accurate, especially in cases of inclement weather, holidays, or other unusual circumstances.)
The Lillian Goldman Law Library is open to the Yale community during posted hours. Access may be limited to the Law School community at various times, including the reading and exam period, so other members of the Yale community should check the law library website for updates before visiting.
Using special collections
Yale Library special collections reading rooms are open to non-Yale researchers who comply with Yale’s visitor policies. Researchers must register in the Yale Library special collections system prior to visiting reading rooms. Plan your visit.
The Yale Center for British Art’s Reference Library and Study Room are also open to non-Yale researchers using the Yale Library registration system and following the same procedures.
Library hours and access may shift without notice in response to weather, changing pandemic circumstances, or University guidance. Always check hours on the library website and the latest visitor policies before coming to campus. (Yale Library hours listed in Google are not always accurate, especially in cases of inclement weather, holidays, or other unusual circumstances.)
Connecting with library staff
To meet patron needs, we are offering a mix of onsite and online research consultations, workshops, and library instruction. Current faculty, staff, and students may access electronic resources on and off campus. Please contact individual staff directly to schedule in-person or online consultations and appointments. Most library staff work onsite either four or five days per week, depending on operational roles and needs. A small number of staff members work offsite more than one day a week.
Books by mail
Current students, faculty, and staff may request to have library materials, including BorrowDirect and interlibrary loan materials, scanned or mailed to U.S. addresses. To request this service, use the “Send to home address” links in Orbis and Quicksearch. Books by mail is also available under some alumni borrowing options.
See our COVID-19 FAQ for more about online and remote services.
