WI Library Collection and Services

The library, which is on the second floor of Nine Cambridge Center, is always open. It contains a core collection of books and journals in molecular biology and genetics. Because the collection is designed to be a convenience for researchers at all times, the books and journals do not circulate (note that some books are kept in the librarian's office). Researchers are expected to make copies of whatever they need in the library photocopy room. The library has a computer room containing two Macs and two Windows machines networked to a public printer. The library enjoys wireless access to the WI network and additionally has ten ethernet jacks at various study spaces for laptop users. Although the library is meant to be a quiet space, it does include a lounge area with current newspapers. Eating and drinking are permitted. Cell phone use in the library is prohibited.

The library's collection does not aim to be complete. All members of the Whitehead community enjoy full borrowing privileges at the MIT Libraries. Researchers with a need to use clinical medical journals that are not available through MIT, can get a pass for the current academic year (commencing in July) to use the Countway Library of Medicine, the library of the Harvard Medical School (in the Longwood area of Boston). The Whitehead Librarian, Dave Richardson, can also borrow whatever books one may need that are not at MIT.

Dave Richardson, Librarian

Besides providing document delivery services, Dave functions as an information consultant. He can answer questions about and teach the proper use of any of the services and software that the library offers for accessing and using the scientific literature. He also has worked at both Harvard and MIT and is quite familiar with both library systems, if one has questions about these excellent local resources. Dave can borrow books from other medical and academic libraries in the U.S. (except books at MIT, which Whitehead personnel can borrow themselves with their Whitehead ID cards). The usual loan period is 4 weeks from receipt. The books can usually be renewed if Dave is notified before the due date. Dave gets copies of papers not locally available from the National Library of Medicine. He accepts email requests (there are no standard forms). The best way to order papers, however, is from within PubMed. One can also leave requests on the Library Office door. Dave can be reached at (617)258-5132 or at richardson@wi.mit.edu. He is also in the Whitehead Library Monday through Friday from the very early morning to midafternoon.

 

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