MIT Libraries - Hayden Library
Hayden Memorial Library • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Library Hours & Access
24/7 Access Available
MIT Hayden Library provides round-the-clock access to MIT students, faculty, and staff with valid MIT ID cards. Study spaces remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: While building access is 24/7, some services have limited hours. During IAP, finals, and holidays, service hours may vary. Check MIT Libraries website for current information.
About MIT Libraries - Hayden Library
MIT Libraries' Hayden Memorial Library serves as the central hub of MIT's library system, providing essential resources and services to the Institute's community of students, faculty, and researchers. Built in 1950 and renovated in 2005, Hayden combines traditional library services with cutting-edge technology and innovation spaces.
The library is renowned for its extensive STEM collections, including engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science resources. Hayden's unique 24/7 access policy supports MIT's culture of round-the-clock innovation and research, making it an essential resource for students working on demanding problem sets and research projects.
Beyond books and journals, Hayden houses the Institute Archives and Special Collections, collaborative learning spaces, and technology-rich study environments that reflect MIT's commitment to hands-on learning and innovation.
Services & Collections
🔬 STEM Collections
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science and AI
- Physics and mathematics
- Life sciences and biotechnology
📚 Study Spaces
- 24/7 study areas
- Collaborative learning spaces
- Quiet study zones
- Group study rooms
💻 Technology
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Computer workstations
- 3D printing services
- Digital media labs
🎯 Research Support
- Subject librarians
- Research consultations
- Data management
- Citation assistance
Access & Policies
👥 Who Can Access
- MIT Students: 24/7 building access with MIT ID
- MIT Faculty/Staff: Full access and borrowing privileges
- MIT Alumni: Limited access with Alumni Library Card
- Visitors: Escorted access during business hours
🔑 24/7 Access
- MIT ID card required for entry
- Swipe access at all building entrances
- Some areas may have restricted hours
- Security cameras monitor 24/7
📋 Library Policies
- Food and drinks allowed in designated areas
- Cell phone use permitted in collaboration zones
- Quiet study areas enforced
- Laptop checkout available
📚 Borrowing
- Standard loan period: 4 weeks
- Online renewals available
- Course reserves: 2-hour to 1-week loans
- Interlibrary loans processed daily
Special Features & Spaces
Institute Archives & Special Collections
Home to MIT's institutional history, including records of groundbreaking research, notable alumni papers, and the evolution of science and technology at MIT.
- MIT historical documents
- Faculty and alumni papers
- Rare scientific texts
- Digital archives
Collaborative Learning Spaces
Modern learning environments designed to support MIT's collaborative approach to education and research, featuring flexible furniture and advanced technology.
- Group study rooms with whiteboards
- Presentation practice rooms
- Flexible seating arrangements
- Video conferencing capabilities
Innovation & Maker Spaces
Technology-rich environments that support hands-on learning and prototyping, reflecting MIT's maker culture and emphasis on practical application.
- 3D printing and fabrication
- Electronics prototyping
- Software development tools
- Virtual reality stations
Digital Scholarship Lab
Advanced computing resources for data analysis, visualization, and digital humanities projects, supporting cutting-edge research across disciplines.
- High-performance computing
- Data visualization software
- GIS and mapping tools
- Statistical analysis packages
Contact Information
MIT Libraries - Hayden Library
160 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
Getting There
Red Line to Kendall/MIT, 5-minute walk to campus
Limited visitor parking. Use Memorial Drive or Broadway meters
Bike racks available throughout MIT campus
MIT Tech Shuttle connects campus buildings