The MIT Libraries offer some of the best views on campus, whether it’s the Charles River and Boston skyline, the hustle and bustle of Massachusetts Avenue, or the oculus of the Great Dome. Our programming, too, offers a view into the best of MIT — its history, its creativity, its collective knowledge, and the minds who tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

This spring, library exhibits are a window into the richness of our collections. Afrofuturism & Otherworldliness, part of the Artfinity campus-wide arts festival, examines Afrofuturist music’s fascination with technology. Refracted Histories uses historic stained glass windows as a lens through which to explore conservation techniques, materials science, and the legacy of Islamic architecture. In the Hayden Library Loft, archival materials from Katharine Dexter McCormick’s collection shed light on this pioneering MIT alumna, scientist, suffragist, and philanthropist.

The MIT Prize for Open Data, presented for the third time this past fall, is also a showcase of some of the most innovative work happening at the Institute — in human health, climate, energy, AI, elections, and more. Learning about their work each year is incredibly energizing, as is the glimpse into CREOS research underway with our two new postdoctoral associates. We’re so pleased to spotlight all of these researchers who care deeply about advancing knowledge through open scholarship practices.

There is always something to inspire at the Libraries. I hope you will take a look.

All my best,

 

 

 

Chris Bourg, PhD