Are primary sources always in “special collections”?
No, primary sources can be found in all of Yale’s collections, but certain collections at Yale are devoted to acquiring and providing access to primary sources. These so-called “special collections” often have different hours and policies than regular collections so this set of questions has been developed to help researchers know what to expect. Special collections at Yale University contain materials that, because of subject, source, rarity or form, are thematically grouped to support in-depth research. They complement the University’s general collections by providing primary source materials in an extraordinary variety of formats, ranging from cuneiform tablets to digital photographs, documenting the unique history of cultures and individuals. The books, papers, correspondence, photographs, and works of art within special collections are considered to have lasting research value. To ensure that these collections remain available to future users, collection managers provide special h
