Library Services for Fall 2021

By on August 2, 2021 in All news

The MIT Libraries is excited to welcome the MIT community back to physical library spaces this fall — we’ve missed you! We’re especially looking forward to welcoming you to the newly renovated Hayden Library and Building 14 Courtyard. 

Please note: While access to campus buildings remains restricted to members of the MIT community who are in Covid Pass and escorted visitors, the Libraries will be open to Covid Pass users only, with the exception of the Distinctive Collections Reading Room (see below). Visit MIT Now for the latest information on current Institute policies, including masking requirements. 

Accessing library spaces
All library locations will reopen to Covid Pass users beginning in late August:

  • August 23: All library locations open; see hours. 
  • September 4-6: Library locations will be closed for the Labor Day holiday; 24-hour study space remains available. 
  • September 7: Fall hours begin 

The Distinctive Collections Reading Room will be open by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, 10am to 4pm. We are aiming for non-MIT users to visit the reading room, following Institute policies for visitors which will include the requirements that visitors register, make an appointment, and be escorted through MIT buildings by staff. Please check back for updates. Virtual reference consultations will continue to be encouraged as well. Requests from the MIT community will be prioritized.

Borrowing and requesting materials
Search Our Collections has launched! We encourage you to try our new search platform and discover some of its new features. You can also browse our collections in person — the stacks will be open in all locations. Please note the following service updates:

  • Shipping of materials to off-campus addresses will be discontinued August 20 at 5pm. Request materials for pick up at the library location of your choice. 
  • Office delivery will continue for MIT faculty, postdocs, and academic/research staff.
  • Books from our collections that have been available electronically through emergency temporary access from HathiTrust and Internet Archive will be available for physical lending only. You can still request digital copies of these titles through Suggest a Purchase.

All e-books, online journals, databases, and other streaming/electronic materials remain available as usual (see how to authenticate to online resources). You can also request PDFs of 50 pages or less from print books, journals, and serials through our Scan and Deliver service, or suggest a purchase in digital or physical formats.

Borrowing from other libraries

Course reserves
The Libraries will offer a full course reserves service for the fall. The service includes access to article and chapter scans through our Scan & Deliver service, which instructors may post to their Canvas site for student use, as well as access to numerous e-books and databases. Additionally, print reserves for required textbooks will be available at the start of term.

Expert help
Consultations with library experts are available both in person and virtually.


Questions? Ask Us