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MIT libraries

Facts and figures to sustain your inner geek
December 27, 2019

In 1862, the MIT Libraries were established with a gift of seven leather-bound books. When classes were first held in 1865, the collection had only grown to 75 volumes, and a librarian would not be hired until 1889. But the Institute’s library strategy was deliberate and innovative. Rather than amassing a huge collection in a grand building to signal its status, MIT housed books where they were most needed, treating them as tools to be used, not treasures to be hoarded. As President Francis Amasa Walker noted in 1893, “Under such a system the students learn to use books with freedom.”

Total number of annual visitor's to MIT's 5 libraries
The libraries house stats
The institute archives stat
14,488,944 papers have been shared
30,677 downloads
Top 5 countries download stats
tarot cards stat
Bailey therapy dog stat
sewing stat

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