Borrowing Guide: Unaffiliated Researcher

What am I eligible for?

Outside researchers may apply for privileges at the Yale University Library (YUL).  Options for library privileges include:

Rates & Details:

How do I register?

Outside researchers who wish to use the Yale University Library collections must register in person at the Privileges Office located in the nave of Sterling Memorial Library (SML).  To register, you will need to provide a current government issued ID.  The following documents are acceptable forms of identification for registration:       

• Driver’s license (from U.S. or Canada)
• U.S. or foreign passport
• Permanent Resident Card (form I-551) from USCIS

Explanation of Pass Options

Desk Pass:

• No borrowing privileges or stack access
• Retrieve materials from Sterling and the Library Shelving Facility (LSF) (20 items per day)* 
• Pass good for one week, with option to renew
• Access to Sterling Memorial and Bass Library before 6PM, and some School and Departmental Libraries (inquire at specific location before arrival)

Stacks Pass:

• Access to the Sterling Memorial Library stacks
• No borrowing privileges
• Retrieve materials from Sterling and LSF collections (20 items per day)* 
• Access to Library facilities for all open hours (some exclusions for School and Departmental libraries – please inquire at specific location before arrival)
• On-site access to electronic resources

Borrowing-Standard:

• Check out materials from any library 
• Building Access – allowed until closing
• On-site access to electronic resources
• Loan length varies by owning library. Standard loan periods are two months or date of account expiration, whichever is lesser.
• Book limit – 15 books 

Borrowing-Premium -- same as standard except for the following:

• Book limit – 50 books 

*Use “Place Requests” to retrieve materials and have them delivered to the circulation desk of the selected Yale University Library.  Allow two business days for delivery of items between libraries. 

Contact

Send questions to Sterling Memorial Library Services at:

• Phone: (203) 432-1775
• E-mail: askyale@gmail.com

Location

The Library Service desk is located on the ground floor of Sterling Memorial Library in the nave and is open during normal library hours.

Visitor Library Privileges Hours

Academic Year

Please review weekly hours before planning your visit.