The MIT Libraries encourage MIT alumni/ae to make use of the libraries during their visits to campus. Library hours and locations are available online.

Reference help

Reference and information staff can:

• assist alumni/ae in using the online catalog.
• answer questions about locations of library materials.
• make referrals to appropriate library collections and services at MIT and in the greater Boston area.
• provide brief research assistance.
• Full reference service is provided in the use of government document depository collections.

Some limitations apply:

• Reference services are scheduled to meet the needs of the MIT community; times of available service vary from library to library.
• Current MIT faculty, students and staff have priority access to physical, electronic, and staff resources.
• Alumni/ae must abide by the Library use policy.

Online help is available at all times:

• The Virtual Reference Collection is a collection of useful reference web sites compiled by MIT librarians.
• Research guides, created by MIT librarians, recommend web sites and resources for research in specific subject areas or on specific topics.

Borrowing privileges

Alumni/ae who want to borrow materials from the MIT Libraries' collections may apply for a Borrowing Card at a special rate.

Please note: Borrowing privileges do not include offsite access to licensed electronic material (i.e. databases and ejournals), or on-site access to licensed resources that require MIT authentication.  Privileges also do not include Interlibrary Borrowing from non-MIT insitutions.

Document delivery

For a fee, MIT alumni/ae around the world can order journal articles, MIT technical reports/working papers and theses from the MIT Libraries' extensive and unique collections.

• Journal articles and conference proceedings can be ordered through Document Services.

• MIT Theses, technical reports, and working papers can be ordered through the Distinctive Collections Request System. See Requesting Materials for complete information.

Computer use

• Priority for computer use is given to MIT users, except for government document depository access, which is made equally available to all.
• See the Library use policy for more information..

Electronic resources

• Public access is available to Barton, the MIT Libraries’ online catalog.
• Please note that access to some electronic resources are restricted to current students, faculty and staff of MIT, due to licensing agreements. Details are available at information desks.

Wireless access

For information on wireless access, consult network connectivity for MIT guests.

These services are available to all. For instructions, visit the Scan, Copy, & Print guide.

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Library use

Access to collections

Library use policy

Borrowing Cards

Library services for visitors