Doing Research at the Beinecke Library

Yale University Faculty, Staff, and Students 

The Beinecke Library reading room is open to Yale University students, staff, and faculty. See How to Register for more information on use of the reading room on the court level. Current hours can be found here.
 

Researchers outside Yale University

Special Collections units at Yale University are open to the public. Researchers will be required to register in the Yale Library special collections system. Please contact the reading room you are visiting if you have any questions or concerns about your visit. Plan your visit.

A reminder that all are also welcome to access materials through the Beinecke Library’s Digital Collections as well as by requesting reproductions.

Public Visitors

Public visitors are welcome in the Beinecke Library exhibition hall on Monday and Tuesday 9am – 7pm; Wednesday, 10am – 7pm; Thursday, 9am – 7pm; Friday, 9am – 5pm; and Saturday and Sunday, noon – 5pm.  Please check the Hours and Accessibility page on this website for detailed information, including current health and safety guidelines.
 

How to Search the Collections

The Beinecke Library’s holdings are searchable in a variety of databases and discovery tools. There are several tools that will help you identify, find, and explore the collections.

Laptops

Researchers are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers.The Yale Guest network is available for those who are not affiliated with Yale. Individuals affiliated with participating US and international institutions may use the Eduroam network.  Two public computer workstations are available for reference use.

Photography

Many Beinecke Library collection materials may be digitally photographed by readers in the reading room for study purposes with a small handheld camera, cell phone or iPad. Large cameras and tripods are not allowed.  Researchers will need to complete and sign the Digital Photography Policy as a part of the registration process.  

Parking

There is limited metered street parking on Grove, College, and York Streets near the library. Parking meters accept credit cards, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Meters for handicapped parking are available on College Street between Grove Street and Elm Street. See our getting here page for more.

Visiting New Haven

New Haven is a great place to live and work, and it is a great place to visit. The Beinecke Library is proud to call New Haven home and is part of a vibrant cultural community that welcomes visitors from far and near. Visit our page on New Haven information.

Fellowships

As part of its core mission, Beinecke Library offers fellowships to support research in a wide range of fields, from literary and cultural studies to the history of science, music, theater, and art; the history of the book, of photography, graphic design, and architecture; as well as social, intellectual, and political history. A variety of fellowships are available. View details on fellowships.