Research

As of May 15, 2023 Special Collections units at Yale University are open to Yale-affiliated faculty, students, and staff and to non-Yale researchers who comply with the Yale Covid Visitor’s Policy.

The Lewis Walpole Library does not require a reservation, but we appreciate being informed in advance of any planned research visit since space in the Reading Room is limited.  
 

Plan your visit

Information for Researchers:  

Image of etching of "D'Eon in his study" by Jacques Le Roy Depicts a possibly female figure wearing male attire writing a letter at a table before a window in a study or library. Books fill shelves in the rear while two others lie open on the table, one title Le Code de Cithere.

The Lewis Walpole Library is a non-circulating, closed-stack library. All material in the library must be handled with great care. Reading privileges are granted to registered readers, subject to the following:

AEON: The library has recently implemented the use of Aeon, a workflow and materials control software designed for special collections libraries and archives, through which readers register, sign a use agreement, and request materials for use in the Reading Room. For more information please see the Guide to Using Special Collections at the Yale University Library.

All library users are required to register online to use the reading room and the collections. Register or access your Aeon account

Requests for Lewis Walpole Library collection material for use in the Reading Room should be made through Orbis (orbis.library.yale.edu) For more information about requesting material, including requests for items not yet cataloged in Orbis, please see the Guide to Using Special Collections at the Yale University Library. You will see there instructions for requesting uncataloged material directly through a “New Request Form”.

As part of the registration process readers must read and agree to the “Yale University Library User Agreement for Special Collections”. This agreement includes important information about the reproduction, publication, and security of collections as well as terms and conditions for in-person use of materials in a special collections reading room and a non-disclosure agreement. This agreement governs the use of the Lewis Walpole Library Reading Room and collection materials.