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Guide to Using Special Collections at Yale University: Information for Non-Yale Researchers

Accessing Yale Library Special Collections Reading Rooms

Special Collections units at Yale University are open to the public. Please see individual repository websites for information on whether appointments are required to visit specific reading rooms. All researchers must comply with the Yale Covid Visitors Policy.  Please contact the reading room you are visiting if you have any questions or concerns about your visit.   

The Yale Library processes and requirements outlined on this page also apply to accessing the special collections reading rooms at the Yale Center for British Art.

 

Register

Step 1: Make an account

Before coming to campus, you must have an account in Aeon, our online system for requesting materials from library special collections.  If you have an existing Aeon account at Yale Library you do not need to create a new one. If you do not have an account, please follow these steps

1.  Go to the Yale Special Collections registration site.

2. On the right hand side, click Sign up under "Sign in with your username and password."

3. Follow the instructions to confirm your email address and fill out the online form. 

4.  Please consult our registration page for more information, including required identification. 

Request your materials

Step 2: Request your materials

 

Use request links in Orbis, Archives at Yale, and Quicksearch to request the materials you wish to view. Please note that many items must be requested two business days in advance of your visit.  Due to high demand, you will be limited to ten active requests at a time.  For more detailed instructions consult our Find & Request page.