Library Computers and Personal Devices

Computer Use

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.
 
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 Phone Use

Cell phones and pagers are permitted in the library. It is expected, however, that people using cell phones will be respectful of others. To provide an optimal environment for research and study and for library staff to do their work, people are asked that cell phones be turned to low, that ringers be silenced (set to vibrate) and that calls be short. Lengthy calls should be made in areas where the conversation does not disturb others. These appropriate areas differ by library because of varying architecture, locations of study spaces, service desks, and staff offices. Please honor requests for quiet and move to another location if an unintended distraction occurs. Thank you for your cooperation.