Service updates
The MIT Libraries are implementing a phased plan for providing access to physical collections. We will update this page as services evolve. Library locations and study spaces remain closed until further notice.
Initial services will be limited to current MIT faculty, students, and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
New
Request digital copies of materials in our physical collections
- Use our Quick Search or other search tools to find available content in our general circulating collections and Distinctive Collections. If an item is only available in print/hardcopy, you’ll be able to request a digital equivalent.
Coming soon
Request delivery of books, media, and more
(Expected to begin September 28, 2020)
We will provide expanded access to items in our general circulating collections through the following modes:
- Off campus: We will ship requested items to wherever you are.
- On campus: We will resume our office delivery service, are planning for expanded campus delivery, and potentially a central, contactless pick-up point.
Please note that turnaround times are likely to be longer than usual, as our safety protocols limit the number of library staff on campus, and we are processing a high number of returns. We will update this page as we learn more about the volume of requests and how quickly we can fulfill them. Thank you for your understanding.
Available now
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.
- For help with copyright questions related to digitizing materials, please contact scholarlypub@mit.edu.
Access electronic materials and collections
- All of our e-books, online journals, databases, and other streaming/electronic materials remain available as usual. See more information about how to authenticate to online resources.
- Libraries staff have coordinated with major publishers and digital platforms to provide expanded and free resources for remote teaching, learning, and research.
- Get access to online resources from public libraries. Any MA resident can get a Boston Public Library e-borrowing card.
Request materials we don’t own
- If we don’t own what you need or don’t currently have access to materials we do own, request the item via Illiad/Interlibrary Borrowing. We continue to fill article and book chapter requests as we can.
- You may also request a purchase of materials needed to support online learning and remote work at MIT.
Get materials for course reserves
- Significant changes have been made to the course reserves service to better support the largely online environment. Visit our Fall 2020 Reserves guide for complete information.
Returning materials
- Overdue fines have been suspended and due dates will continue to be extended as necessary.
- See our Borrow and request page to learn how to return library materials.
- For questions about your borrowed materials contact circulation@mit.edu.