Updates: COVID-19 & Yale Library Online
This update covers public access to Yale Library spaces. Scroll down for information about access to special collections reading rooms.
Yale Library Public Access (May 2, 2022)
Public spaces within Sterling Memorial Library (including the nave, the Hanke Gallery and Gilmore Music Library), the Beinecke Library exhibition gallery, and the Lewis Walpole Library exhibition gallery are now open to the public during designated visitor hours. All visitors must be vaccinated and boosted when eligible. See “Vaccination Requirements,” below, for details and required documentation.
At this time, members of the public may not access the Sterling stacks, borrow library materials, or use public computers. Our systems for providing library access to visitors require some updates due to IT changes made during the University’s COVID response; we hope to have these systems up and running again soon. Updates will be posted on this page.
Library hours and access may shift without notice in response to weather, changing pandemic circumstances and University guidance. Always check library hours on the library website [1] 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.)
Libraries located within non-library buildings (Marx Library, arts, medical, divinity, and classics) will remain closed to the public until the University resumes public access to those buildings.
Vaccination requirements
- In accordance with Yale University policy, COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster, if eligible) is required for visitors five and older.
- You may be asked to present proof of vaccination.
- Unvaccinated children under the age of five are eligible to visit.
- Acceptable proof of vaccination includes: MyChart or other provider portal record; VAMS certificate; CDC card; CT WIZ official immunization record; Photo of a vaccination card, certificate, or record (or a photo stored in a digital wallet)
- Masking on campus is optional except in certain settings. Please refer to guidelines from Yale Environmental Health & Safety [2].
Special Collections Reading Rooms (June 7, 2022)
All Yale University Library special collections reading rooms are now open to non-Yale researchers who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Researchers must register in the Yale Library special collections system, complete the University vaccine attestation process in advance of their visit, and show a copy of their approval email for admission to the library on the day of their visit. These processes, including vaccine attestations, are expected to remain in place until the University changes its alert level to one that enables broader access to university spaces without vaccination. Plan your visit [3].
The Yale Center for British Art’s Reference Library [4] and Study Room [5] is also open to non-Yale researchers using the Yale Library registration system and following the same procedures.
Library Staff
Library staff are currently working in a range of onsite or partially remote schedules depending on operational roles and needs. We continue to offer research consultations, workshops, library instruction, and access to electronic resources online. Please contact individual staff directly to check their availability for in-person or online consultations and appointments.
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.
See our COVID-19 FAQ [6] for more about online and remote services.