The Yale University Library is one of the largest and most renowned academic libraries in the world, with a vast collection of over 15 million volumes and a wide range of digital resources. The library's mission is to support the research and educational needs of the Yale community, and it provides a wealth of resources and services to help students, faculty, and staff find the information they need. In this article, we will explore the various resources and tools available through the Yale Library, and provide tips and strategies for finding anything you need.
Overview of Yale Library Resources
The Yale Library consists of several libraries and collections, each with its own unique focus and strengths. The Sterling Memorial Library is the main library on campus, and it houses a vast collection of books, journals, and other materials in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The Bass Library is a popular study space and also houses a large collection of books and media. The Law Library and the Medical Library are specialized libraries that serve the research needs of the Law School and the Medical School, respectively. In addition to these libraries, the Yale Library also includes several special collections, such as the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library and the Yale Center for British Art.
Searching the Catalog
To find books, journals, and other materials in the Yale Library, you can use the library’s online catalog, called Orbis. Orbis allows you to search for materials by keyword, author, title, and subject, and it also provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including e-books, articles, and databases. You can also use the Summon discovery layer to search across multiple databases and resources at once. To get the most out of Orbis, it’s a good idea to use specific keywords and subject headings, and to limit your search results by factors such as date, language, and format.
| Search Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Orbis | The library's online catalog, allowing you to search for books, journals, and other materials |
| Summon | A discovery layer that searches across multiple databases and resources at once |
| Database Finder | A tool that helps you find the best databases for your research topic |
Digital Resources and Databases
In addition to its vast collection of physical materials, the Yale Library also provides access to a wide range of digital resources and databases. These include JSTOR, a database of academic journals and books in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences; ProQuest, a database of newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals; and EBSCO, a database of academic journals and books in a wide range of subjects. The library also subscribes to a number of specialized databases, such as Westlaw for law research and PubMed for medical research.
Interlibrary Loan and Borrowing
If the Yale Library does not have a particular book or article that you need, you can use the library’s Interlibrary Loan service to request it from another library. This service is free and usually takes a few days to a week to arrive. You can also use the BorrowDirect service to borrow books from other Ivy League libraries. To use these services, simply log in to your library account and fill out the request form.
- Interlibrary Loan: a service that allows you to request books and articles from other libraries
- BorrowDirect: a service that allows you to borrow books from other Ivy League libraries
- Scan and Deliver: a service that allows you to request scanned copies of articles and book chapters
How do I find a specific book in the Yale Library?
+To find a specific book in the Yale Library, you can use the library's online catalog, Orbis. Simply search for the book by title, author, or keyword, and then use the Get It button to see if the book is available and to request it if it is not. You can also use the Summon discovery layer to search across multiple databases and resources at once.
Can I access digital resources and databases from off campus?
+Yes, you can access digital resources and databases from off campus by using the library's VPN or by logging in to your library account. The library's VPN allows you to access digital resources and databases as if you were on campus, and it is available to all Yale students, faculty, and staff. To use the VPN, simply download and install the VPN software on your computer or mobile device, and then log in with your Yale ID and password.
In conclusion, the Yale Library provides a wide range of resources and services to support the research and educational needs of the Yale community. By using the library’s online catalog, digital resources, and databases, and by taking advantage of services such as Interlibrary Loan and BorrowDirect, you can find almost anything you need to succeed in your academic pursuits. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff member, the Yale Library is an essential resource that can help you achieve your goals.
