Research consultations

Make an appointment to meet with a librarian in your subject area and get help with your research.

• Subject experts contact list
• Research consultation appointment form

Ask Us

• Use Ask Us via live chat or email to get help from our staff.

HathiTrust Digital Library

HathiTrust is a digital repository that provides long-term preservation and access services for public domain and in-copyright content from a variety of sources.

• As a partner institution, the MIT Libraries are pleased to provide access to HathiTrust Accessible Text Request Service. This applies to all public domain works as well as in-copyright materials that are held currently or have been held previously by the MIT Libraries.
• Access is provided by the MIT Disability and Access Services. They are also able to assist with searching.
• See HathiTrust accessibility for full details on how this access works.

Online via Your Account

• Search the library catalog and use Your Account (MIT and Harvard only) to request materials for pick-up at any MIT library.
• Available items will be delivered in 1-2 business days, depending on location.

From the shelves of the library you're in

• Contact any MIT Libraries service desk to request help. (This may not be available on days when staff is reduced - for example, on holidays.)
• It's best to plan ahead for assistance with extensive library research.  Contact MIT Disability and Access Services Office at 617-253-1674 or das-all@mit.edu to discuss options.

Set up a Designated Borrower card

• Specify another person on your library card to borrow materials for you by completing a Designated Borrower form online or at any MIT Libraries service desk.

Assistive technology options

• Barker Library, Dewey Library, and Hayden Library have assistive technology options. See assistive equipment & software for more details.
• Headphones and earplugs are available at all library service desks.
• For training in the use of JAWS, Kurzweil, or Zoom Text software, please contact MIT Disability and Access Services at 617-253-1674 or das-all@mit.edu.

Self-service scanners

• Multiple library locations have self-service scanners that can produce a variety of file types, including PDFs. See our scanning guide for details and locations.
• Please note that these scanners do not have text-to-speech capability.
• Staff at any MIT Libraries service desk can help with small amounts of scanning. Contact the library in advance to make arrangements.
• For extensive scanning jobs, contact MIT Disability Services Office at 617-253-1674 or das-all@mit.edu to discuss options.

• Visitors may access open library locations during MIT's public entrance hours
• See library hours for location-specific information.

• MIT Division of Student Life Disability and Access Services
• MIT Human Resources Disabilities Services
• MIT ATIC: Assistive Technology Information Center

Ask Us
Ask a question, make an appointment, give feedback, or visit us.