ABOUT THE LIBRARY

The Cowles Foundation Library houses a large collection of books and reference materials for research in economics. The collection has a broad general base in economics but is especially rich in mathematical and statistical reference materials that are useful in economics, making it a valuable research tool for technical research in economics. This valuable resource supports the research staff of the Cowles Foundation, serves as a general library resource for faculty and students within the Department of Economics at Yale, and is open to the entire Yale Community. Information and materials from the library are sent to universities, institutions and individuals from around the USA and the World, including copies of Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers (CFDPs) and reprints (CFPs). Discussion papers and some Reprints are now also available for download from this web site. Individual hard copies can still be ORDERED by e-mail, fax, telephone or mail. Library hours are 9:00–3:00, Monday through Friday.

In 1955 the Cowles Library moved, with the Cowles Commission, to Yale University as part of the newly formed Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics. The Library was originally housed on the 2nd floor of 30 Hillhouse Avenue, the building occupied by the Cowles Foundation. In 1979, the library was relocated to a renovated space on the first floor. In 1998, an additional annex for the library was constructed in a wing of the basement.

c1965

c1990

Annex, c1998

In 2006, new climate-controlled space was created for the Library, adjacent to the Cowles Faculty Lounge. This space now houses the Library's full collection of more than 4,900 books, over 200 general reference materials, and Cowles historical materials. The Library also houses copies of the Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers (CFDPs), Reprints (CFPs), and papers from the former Cowles Commission in Chicago.