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Service updates

Most Hayden Library collections are now available to the MIT community by request.

Library locations remain closed for browsing and in-person services. We are implementing a phased plan for providing access to physical collections. We will update this page as services evolve.

Most services will be limited to current MIT faculty, students, and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Available now

Library locations remain closed, but student study spaces are now available

  • Library study space is available for Covid Pass users who are students and/or campus residents. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Request digital copies of materials in our physical collections

Request delivery of books, media, and more

  • Use our Quick Search or other search tools to find available content in our general circulating collections.
  • If you require a physical copy of an item, select “Request item.”
  • You will be asked to provide a current address for delivery: either an MIT campus address or off-campus within the 50 United States or Canada. We do not currently ship to the U.S. territories or international locations. International users should request digital copies via the suggest a purchase form.

Request materials we don’t own

  • Books/physical items: Request via Borrow Direct or Suggest a purchase for delivery to campus dorms/offices or US/Canadian mailing addresses (if an e-version is available, we’ll get it!).
  • Articles/book chapters: Request via Illiad/Interlibrary Borrowing. Requesting physical materials from regular Interlibrary Borrowing remains suspended until further notice.

Please note that turnaround times are likely to be longer than usual, as our safety protocols limit the number of library staff on campus. Thank you for your understanding.

Get help

  • Our Ask Us services are available online for general help, research, and reference questions.
  • Subject expert librarians can teach in MIT online classes, on topics ranging from archival research to literature reviews and more. They are also available for remote consultation and can be reached via email.
  • Data Services (GIS, DMS and Statistical Services) provides assistance across the Institute in data management, creation, visualization, and analysis in support of all aspects of the research, teaching, and learning workflows.
  • Distinctive Collections provides reference consultations (with materials) via Zoom. Visit their requesting materials page for complete information.
  • For help with copyright questions related to digitizing materials, please contact scholarlypub@mit.edu.

Access electronic materials and collections

Get materials for course reserves

Returning materials

  • We are now offering prepaid domestic UPS shipping labels, one per semester per person, to MIT students, faculty, and staff who are ready to return MIT Libraries’ items, as well as materials obtained through ILB or Borrow Direct​.
  • To request a label, please email circulation@mit.edu with your mailing address, email, and phone number. Labels must be used within 30 days.
  • See our Borrow and request page for information regarding on-campus and international returns.