Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowships

The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library offers short-term fellowships to support visiting scholars pursuing post-doctoral or equivalent research in its collections. Students enrolled in degree programs are ineligible. The fellowships pay for travel to and from New Haven and a living allowance of $4,000 per month, and are designed to provide access to the library for scholars who live outside the greater New Haven area. Granted for one month, fellowships must be taken up between September 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014. Recipients are expected to be in residence during the period of their award and are encouraged to participate in the activities of Yale University.

Successful applicants normally explain in extensive and specific detail the relationship of the Beinecke collections to their project and its significance within the larger field of scholarly concern. Most of the holdings of the Beinecke Library in printed materials are described in Orbis, the online catalogue of Yale University Library. Early manuscripts and modern archives are described in detailed finding aids available via the internet. Books and manuscripts at Yale have been extensively described since 1926 in the Yale University Library Gazette, which is available in many libraries.

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2013-2014 academic year.  Please check back in September 2013 to apply for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Applicants are asked to submit the following items to the Fellowship Selection Committee:

• application form (complete the application form online and include a printed copy with your materials)
• curriculum vitae
• brief research proposal (1,200 word maximum)
• detailed list of specific research materials to be consulted at Beinecke during your fellowship
• two confidential letters of recommendation sent to the Beinecke Director, specifically addressing the merits of the proposed fellowship project (dossier letters will not effectively support your application). 

Sealed, signed, confidential letters can be included in your application packet or sent directly from the recommenders

If you wish to receive confirmation that your application material has been received, pleased include a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your materials.

Awards will be announced in March following the application deadline.

All application material, including letters of recommendation, should be addressed to the Fellowship Selection Committee and sent to the following address:

Fellowship Program
Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library 
Yale University 
P.O. Box 208240 
New Haven, CT 06520-8240
Click here for express mail information

For more information about application procedures, requirements, eligibility, or scheduling the fellowship period, please consult the updated Frequently Asked Questions tab.