The MIT Libraries support the Institute’s programs of study and research. Five major subject libraries, for Architecture and Planning, Engineering, Humanities, Science, Management and Social Science, as well as several specialized libraries and the Institute Archives, offer access to a wide range of materials, both print and electronic.

The collection includes

• more than 2.6 million printed volumes
• 17,000 current journal subscriptions
• 478 online databases
• over 30,000 electronic journal titles licensed for access on the Institute’s network

as well as extensive collections of

• microforms
• maps
• images
• musical scores
• sound recordings
• and videotapes.

In 2001 the Libraries implemented Ex Libris’ Aleph system as its public Web-based catalog (Barton) and as the support system for user service and processing functions.

The Libraries’ web site presents information about library services, as well as as well as access to electronic resources through the staff-designed Vera interface.

The MIT Libraries maintain membership in the following organizations:

• the Association of Research Libraries
• the Boston Library Consortium
• the Coalition of Networked Information
• the DDI Alliance
• the Digital Library Federation
• EDUCAUSE
• the International Association of Technological University Libraries
• the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
• the Online Computer Library Center