Haas Arts Library Patron Shelves

Patron shelves are located in the Paul Rudolph Reading Room on the Main Level across from the Current Periodicals section. Each shelf is identified with a number label.

Requesting a Patron Shelf

Yale-affiliated individuals with active status may request a personal patron shelf to hold circulating materials from the Arts Library for the duration of the academic year. To request a shelf, please complete the Patron Shelf Request Form online or visit the service desk to fill out a paper form. 

Shelf holders will receive a courtesy reminder to renew their shelf by June 1 if they wish to continue use and retain the materials stored on the shelf. If you no longer need your shelf, please notify staff at the Main Desk or email arts.library@yale.edu to request early expiration.

Shelves requested during the Spring term will remain active through the following academic year; no renewal is required until the next cycle.

Patron Shelf Policies

  • Only circulating materials from the Haas Arts Library are permitted on patron shelves.
     
  • Non-circulating items including the following materials may not be placed on the shelves:
    • Course Reserve items
    • Serials and Periodicals
    • Reference items 
    • Interlibrary Loan and BorrowDirect items
    • Materials from other Yale Libraries 
    • Personal books and items
       
  • Once a shelf is assigned, shelf holders must check out items to their patron shelf account and fill out a yellow shelf card for each item before placing it on the shelf.
     
  • Patrons can remove materials from their own or another patron's shelf for regular checkout to their personal account, but shelf holders will not be notified. Items taken out of the library must be checked out at the service desk, with the yellow shelf card remaining in the item. When returned, the yellow card ensures the material is charged back to the original shelf account.
     
  • Patrons are asked to keep shelves neat and place books upright to prevent damage to materials. Bookends are available at each shelf. 
     
  • For collection preservation, please do not place sticky notes in library materials. Sticky notes left in books will be removed.
     

For more information regarding patron shelves, contact the Haas Arts Library by email at arts.library@yale.edu or call 203-432-2645.

Last modified: 
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 3:22pm