Library Regulations
Library privileges are provided for all registered undergraduates. The University identification card is required for admission to the book stacks at Sterling Memorial Library and must be shown at any library when books are borrowed. Library privileges are personal and individual; they may not be transferred, or used on behalf of another person.
The loan periods and fine policies in the many units that constitute the University’s library system vary from library to library, depending on the nature of the collections and the needs of users. The staff in each library is prepared to give assistance in the use of that library, and to explain its rules and regulations. Information about loan policies and fines is posted or is readily available in printed or electronic form. See www.library.yale.edu/about/accessuse.html.
Yale’s libraries have been developed over a period of three centuries. Throughout its history, the University has devoted a significant proportion of its resources to the building of collections that have an international reputation and that are matched by those of few other universities in the world.
The possessions of Yale’s libraries are among the University’s greatest and most important educational assets. They must be protected not only for the use of present students and scholars, but for those of succeeding generations as well.
It is essential that students use the libraries responsibly. Impairing the libraries’ functions, failing to return books needed by and recalled for other readers, removing or sequestering (“stashing”) books without authorization, or damaging library materials diminishes the usefulness of the libraries and violates the rights of others. Unauthorized access to library electronic records and databases is also a violation; this includes tampering with such files as the online circulation records and falsifying identification to enter restricted databases. Such offenses against the academic community are viewed with extreme seriousness and can incur penalties ranging from fines to expulsion from the University.1
For violations of the library regulations, the University Librarian or his or her designee may impose fines and/or suspend library privileges. Suspension of library privileges may be imposed for part of a term or for a full term or more. In addition, the University Librarian may, at his or her discretion, request the Yale College Executive Committee to consider further disciplinary action against an undergraduate who violates the library regulations. A deliberate attempt to remove library materials without authorization will be considered an offense of the same gravity as the theft of a book.
