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About the Library


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Our Services

The Technical Library and Information Center offers a number of information management and information technology services to assist Volpe employees and visitors in transportation research. Below are the various services that we offer:

Reference Help
The Volpe Center Technical Library and Information Center Librarian is available to respond to in-depth reference queries. Reference services includes assistance in document-identification, conducting literature searches, locating materials on interlibrary loan and keeping track of transportation-related web sites and publications available on the Internet. Volpe and non-Volpe library users may direct their queries in person, by telephone or via e-mail: Ask a Librarian. Non-Volpe users are invited to visit our library if they find a resource of interest. Visits are by appointment only. Please be sure to coordinate with the Librarian.


Services for Volpe Employees only:

Customized Research
The librarian is available for project-related support services. Examples of such services include creating a bibliography of project documents that are made accessible on a customized database, a current awareness service to help you stay on top of current literature in your research area of expertise and in-depth project-related literature searches.

Database Searching
In addition to the resources of the library's collection, a literature search on a specific topic can be performed for Volpe Center staff.

Borrowing Outside the Library (Interlibrary Loan)
Library staff members can borrow materials from other libraries for use by Volpe Center employees. The library interacts closely with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Libraries for many interlibrary loans and photocopy requests. When an item is unavailable from MIT, a computerized network of lending institutions is accessed to identify local and national sources. All materials borrowed on interlibrary loan must be promptly returned. Requests may be placed in person at the Reference Desk, by phone, or by e-mail.

MIT Libraries Access
Volpe Center employees have special access to the collections and the vast range of information services provided by the MIT Libraries. Any Volpe staff member may obtain an MIT library card. To apply for a library card, please contact the Librarian here.




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