The MIT Libraries support all of the Institute's programs of research and study with holdings of more than 2.9 million print volumes and 3.1 million additional items, such as microforms, maps, images, musical scores, manuscripts, recordings, and electronic resources. The library system also includes the Institute Archives and Special Collections containing many of MIT's founding documents, technical reports, and the personal papers of noted faculty. For a complete list of library locations and hours, see libraries.mit.edu/about/.
A wide range of online services and resources are available through the MIT Libraries' website, at http://libraries.mit.edu/. Patrons can locate library items using the online catalog, Barton, at http://libraries.mit.edu/barton/, or search over 20,000 journals, databases, and other serial publications using Vera, at http://libraries.mit.edu/vera/.
In addition, the online interlibrary loan service, at http://libraries.mit.edu/illiad/, makes available materials from other libraries worldwide. On-site access is provided to 18 local libraries in the Boston Library Consortium.
Other library resources and services include: Academic Media Production Services for video production and conferencing, webcasting, and distance education; complete digital scanning, microfilm, and photocopying facilities; GIS and data resources; and metadata services.
Workshops on library resources and instructional support are offered for MIT courses and other groups, and in-depth consultation on research projects is available with subject specialists. Reference assistance is also available through the Ask Us! service, at http://libraries.mit.edu/ask/, and from library staff.
The MIT 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 20,000 MIT theses and the digital works of 50 communities representing collections of MIT faculty, researchers, labs, and centers.
While primarily serving the MIT community, library facilities at MIT can be used by others upon application to Document Services, Room 14-0551, for a library privilege card.