Welcome to Yale Special Collections, Manuscripts and Archives
All Yale University Library special collections reading rooms are now open to non-Yale researchers who are fully vaccinated and boosted, when eligible. 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. All researchers must register their vaccination status with the University prior to their arrival. Please note that per Yale Health and Safety Guidelines masking is optional for vaccinated and boosted staff and visitors. Stay current with changes to Yale Library's COVID-19 policies here: Updates: COVID-19 & Yale Library Online.
Non-Yale visitors, please follow the instructions on the Guide to Using Special Collections at Yale University to create a Yale Special Collections Account and submit your COVID-19 visitor attestation from for review.
Yale affiliates with active NetIDs may request material through their Yale Special Collections accounts and access material during our open hours.
Finding the Manuscripts and Archives Reading Room
The Manuscripts and Archives reading Room is found within Sterling Memorial Library at the heart of the the Yale University campus. For travel directions to New Haven and the University, please see Location & Directions | Manuscripts and Archives | Yale University Library.
- Researchers can find Manuscripts and Archives by entering Sterling Library through double doors located at 120 High Street (red path in the image to the right) or 301 York Street (blue path in the image to the right).
- Both entrances require that Yale students, faculty, and staff present their ID to gain entry.
- Both entrances require that non-Yale researchers present their visitation confirmation email to security staff stationed at those entrances in order to gain entry.
- Manuscripts and Archives's Cowles Reference Center and Reading Room is indicated in lavender in the image to the right.
- The closest restrooms, located in the Irving S. Gilmore Music Library, are indicated in green.
Wayfinding
