MIT Libraries' Communications Program

About the MIT Libraries

The MIT Libraries—with resources of more than 2.8 million print volumes and over 2.8 million additional items in special collections of microforms, maps, slides, musical scores, manuscripts, recordings, and electronic resources—are designed to support all of the Institute’s programs of study and research. The library system is composed of five major (divisional) libraries, four smaller (branch) libraries, and the Institute Archives and Special Collections. Libraries include:

• Aeronautics and Astronautics Library
• Barker Engineering Library
• Dewey Library (Management and Social Sciences)
• Humanities Library
• Lindgren Library (Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences)
• Lewis Music Library
• Rotch Library of Architecture and Planning
• Rotch Library Visual Collections
• Science Library

The Libraries' website, http://libraries.mit.edu/, offers a wide range of online services, resources, and information. From the website, patrons can locate items in library collections through the online catalog, Barton (http://libraries.mit.edu/barton), or search over 20,000 journals, databases, and other serials through Vera (Virtual Electronic Resource Access) at http://libraries.mit.edu/vera/.

MIT students, faculty, and researchers may borrow materials from other libraries worldwide through the online interlibrary loan service, ILLiad (http://libraries.mit.edu/ordering/ilb.html). Onsite access is also available to 18 local libraries in the Boston Library Consortium .

The Libraries offer workshops and instructional support (for courses and groups) on library resources, and in-depth consultations with subject specialists on research projects. Personal assistance is available from staff at each library or through the Libraries' Ask Us! service (http://libraries.mit.edu/ask/).

Other library resources and services include: Academic Media Production Services (AMPS) for video production and conferencing, webcasting and distance education; complete digital scanning, microfilm, and photocopying facilities; GIS and data resources; and metadata services.

The Libraries also manage DSpace (http://dspace.mit.edu/>), a unique digital repository created to capture, preserve, and share MIT's intellectual output with the world. DSpace currently houses over 14,000 MIT theses.

While primarily serving the MIT community, library facilities at MIT may be used by others upon application to Document Services, Room 14-0551, for a library privilege card.

In addition to the Boston Library Consortium, the MIT Libraries maintain membership in the Association of Research Libraries, the International Association of Technological University Libraries, the Online Computer Library Center, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, EDUCAUSE, and the Coalition for Networked Information.

See http://libraries.mit.edu/about/index.html for annual reports, library hours, mission statement, and other specific information.