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Library services for visitors: Access to collections

Information for visitors to the MIT Libraries

Service update

Library access is limited to:

  • MIT faculty, students, and staff and their invited guests in compliance with MIT’s campus access policies.
  • Visitors who have been issued a Tim Ticket by Distinctive Collections or for Libraries business or events.

All Libraries users must be in compliance with MIT's campus access policy, including wearing masks in Libraries' spaces.

Please note: The MIT Libraries do not sponsor users in Covid Pass or issue Tim Tickets for access to Libraries’ general collections or study spaces.

Collections

Access to collections

  • All visitors (see Special user types) may access the MIT Libraries' open stack collections, government depository material, Distinctive Collections, and the Library Storage Annex (see below).
  • Access restrictions apply during exam periods in December and May (see Library Hours for dates).
  • Public access to Barton, the MIT Libraries’ online catalog, is at http://libraries.mit.edu/barton.
  • At their discretion, the MIT Libraries may limit or refuse access by individuals or groups whose behavior fails to comply with the Libraries' Guidelines for Use.
  • Access to some electronic resources is restricted to current students, faculty and staff of MIT, due to licensing agreements. Details are available at service desks.

Government Documents

As a selective US Federal Depository Library, the MIT Libraries will provide access to government information in accordance with the requirements of the Depository Program.  Depository users must adhere to the same standards of behavior expected of other library patrons.

Distinctive Collections

Includes the Institute archives, plus other rare and unique materials. Most of the collection is stored off-site. See the Distinctive Collections page for further information.

Library Storage Annex

See the Library Storage Annex page for further information.