Borrowing books only scratches the surface of what you can do through the numerous libraries that make up Yale’s world-renowned system. Your Yale ID, which doubles as a library card, grants you access to “all the services we offer at Yale University Library, both in person and online,” says Barbara Rockenbach, the Stephen F. Gates ’68 University Librarian. “You can get tech help, view cultural treasures like the Gutenberg Bible, host a meeting in a stunning space, and more.” Spouses and domestic partners are entitled to full library privileges, too. Here’s a sampling of the services you can enjoy any time, for free.
Follow national news. Stay up to date with digital subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post.
Check out e-books and audiobooks. Eager to read the latest bestseller? Looking for a recipe to try out? Choose from the library’s collection of 5.5 million fiction and non-fiction e-books and audiobooks.
Rent multimedia equipment. Borrow cameras, audio equipment, computer accessories, and more from Bass Media Equipment Checkout.
Watch films. The Yale Film Archive has more than 40,000 Hollywood films, international features, documentaries, performances, newsreels, and other media. Streaming services are also available.
Explore the archives and special collections. Marvel at papyri dating from the first century. View prints by 18th-century English painter William Hogarth, famous for his satirical morality paintings. Try to decode the 15th-century Voynich Manuscript’s unidentified language and illustrations of unfamiliar plants, constellations, and creatures. Delve into the library’s digital collections, attend exhibitions throughout the year, and view rare and archival materials in one of five special collections reading rooms.
Soak up the atmosphere. “Yale Library offers an amazing range of spaces to work, read, or just reflect and relax,” says Barbara. “We also have some of the most inspirational public spaces on campus,” like the Gothic nave of Sterling Memorial Library, which was modeled after a European cathedral, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library’s six-story, glassed-in tower of book stacks. Learn more about the libraries here.
Ask Yale Library
How can I have materials delivered to my home address? Can I borrow a charger for my computer? How do I reserve a room in Bass Library? Laura Sider, associate director for Frontline Services at Sterling Memorial Library and Bass Library, and her team answer approximately 7,500 questions a year from the Yale community through Ask Yale Library. “No matter the question, we will treat it respectfully and do our due diligence to find the right answer,” says Laura, whose team posts all questions and answers on the Ask Yale Library page. These are the five most frequently asked questions of 2022:
- How do I access the New York Times?
- How do I find out who owns the copyright for a book or other creative work?
- How can I reserve media equipment?
- How do I use Yale’s VPN?
- Where can I find information on Yale’s Class of 1953 goal study?
Reporting by Linda Clarke.
