Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I determine the value of my books?

Yale University policy prohibits librarians and curators from providing financial appraisals. Professional appraisers and booksellers can authenticate and evaluate your books and documents.

You might try contacting a book dealer belonging to the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) or the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) if you are interested in finding out more about the value of the book.

For general information about the value of your book, you may also wish to read a publication of the Rare Book & Manuscript Section, a professional society, “Your Old Books,” which is available online.

How do I find a bookseller or appraiser?

Yale University policy prohibits librarians and curators from providing financial appraisals. Professional appraisers and booksellers can authenticate and evaluate your books and documents.

You might try contacting a book dealer belonging to the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) or the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) if you are interested in finding out more about the value of the book.

For general information about the value of your book, you may also wish to read a publication of the Rare Book & Manuscript Section, a professional society, “Your Old Books,” which is available online.

Do I need copyright permission from the library to publish its holdings?

The Beinecke Library owns the copyright to only a small portion of its holdings, and ultimately it is up to the researcher to determine the copyright status of anything they may want to publish. For more information, please click here.

May I use my own laptop or tablet in the Beinecke reading room?

Researchers are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers or other personal device in silent mode.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 in the lobby for reference use.

Research Questions

Who is eligible to research at the Beinecke Library?

The Beinecke Library is open to all Yale University students and faculty, and visiting researchers whose work requires use of its special collections. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID the first time you register. Read more about how to plan your visit at the Beinecke Library.

Information for Booksellers