Granting requests for tours of or visits to the MIT Libraries can be an important public relations activity while at the same time represents a significant time commitment on the part of library staff. The following guidelines are to be used in conjunction with good judgement in accommodating visitors' requests.

High priority consideration should be given to those visitors who:

a) have given at least two weeks notice;

b) whose interests are clearly stated and relevant to MIT;

c) who are associated with MIT Libraries in some way, e.g., ARL, IATUL, etc.;

d) who have other known MIT associations, including the Visitor's Office.

The length of visits will also be determined by the above criteria - those visitors with closer ties and more relevant interests will be accommodated for longer visits.

Low priority consideration should be given to those who:

a) have given less than two weeks notice;

b) do not articulate specific reasons for their visit;

c) propose visit in hopes of receiving something from the Libraries that we do not intend to provide, e.g., exchange program.

Prospective visitors who do not fit the high priority criteria will be sent a visitor's packet along with a letter explaining that we cannot accommodate their visit and inviting them to tour the Libraries on their own.

Drop-in visitors who appear at reference desks may be referred to the Director's Office where they will be given a visitor packet.

Approved by Library Council 10/25/95

Last updated 960306