The preservation, safeguarding, and stewardship for the collections are the responsibilities of all members of the Yale University Community and its visitors.  To achieve these goals, the Library has developed a security policy that is respectful of the individual's right to access to materials and - at the same time - protects the Library's unique and irreplaceable assets.

The following incidences are considered violations of the Library's security policy for its collections and are applicable at all of the Library's school & department libraries and special collections:

1. Intended or attempted theft of library materials, including the concealment of library materials in personal effects (e.g., briefcase, outer garments) or on one's person
2. Removal of security devices from library materials or other mutilation of materials for the purpose of avoiding detection at Security Checkpoints
3. Defacing, mutilating, or damaging library materials, equipment, or property
4. Theft and/or possession of materials stolen from the Library
5. Encouragement of another to steal, mutilate, or damage Library materials
6. Sale of stolen Library materials is an egregious act that may subject its perpetrator to actions by the Library, the University, and local law enforcement
7. Refusal to show University or other identification upon request of Library Staff, Library Security, University Police or Security, and/or local law enforcement
8. Refusal to allow a check of personal possessions and books prior to departing the Library
9. Sequestering library materials within the Library to restrict its use by others
10. Remaining in the Library after closing hours
11. Entering nonpublic or Library Staff areas without proper authorization
12. Refusal to follow the direction of Library Staff during an emergency or a similar situation involving a breach of security
13. Bringing alcoholic beverages into Library areas is not allowed; for details, see the Library's food and beverage policy.
14. Leaving bags, parcels, and packages on the premises
15. Covering or in some way disengaging security cameras and other security devices
16. Falseley reporting an emergency
17. Departing the Library using emergency exits outside of times of emergency
18. Conduct that is disturbing to other readers or detracts from the research, scholarship, and study environment of the Library

Please consult the websites of individual school and department libraries for specific security and access policies pertaining to their collections.

Disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, probation, suspension of Library privileges, etc., will be taken when any of the Library's security policies are violated.  The monetary value of the material taken and/or damaged is not a consideration in pursuing action by the Library, University, and/or local law enforcement.