MIT Libraries

The MIT Libraries are an engine for creating, sharing, and safeguarding knowledge at the Institute and beyond. The Libraries work to improve access to the world’s collective knowledge and support the MIT community in many ways.

Equipping scholars with the best content and the skills to use it. The Libraries provide access to tens of millions of items, both physical and digital, and to collections from libraries worldwide. Library specialists help people navigate resources, manage data, and think critically as consumers and creators of information, and play a vital role in supporting computational research across MIT.

Providing an intellectual crossroads. Through thought-provoking programs, free workshops, and MIT Reads, a shared reading and discussion program, the Libraries foster connections across the MIT community. Welcoming spaces—including the renovated Hayden Library and Building 14 courtyard—invite users to recharge, be inspired, and create new knowledge.

Sharing knowledge with the world. The Libraries work to ensure that research is openly and equitably available to the broadest possible audience. Launched in 2019, the Center for Research on Equitable and Open Scholarship investigates how disparate communities can participate in scholarship with minimal bias or barriers and hosts a postdoctoral fellowship program. Since 2009, articles by Institute authors made freely available have been downloaded more than 24 million times, with 57% of faculty articles shared openly.

Stewarding collections unique to MIT. Distinctive Collections preserves and fosters the use of unique and rare items, both tangible and digital, including MIT-produced materials, archival collections, rare books, visual materials, and the Aga Khan Documentation Center collections.