The MBLWHOI Library has represented the intellectual heart of the Woods Hole scientific community for over 130 years. Serving the science information needs of Woods Hole researchers is the central role of the Library. This role has become increasingly complex as libraries work to equitably provide traditional services combined with digital tools that enable librarians to offer on demand metrics and bibliographic services tailored to the needs of individual or multiple researchers. The ability of researchers to seamlessly use library services through our web portal and associated databases is crucial to the research process. The MBLWHOI Library is internationally recognized as a leader in current trends and practices in marine information sciences and data preservation. The Library continues to build relevant electronic literature collections in the biological, biomedical, ecological, climate, geological, and oceanographic sciences which are preserved locally and through collaborative regional, national, and international projects.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have collaborated since 1930 in the day-to-day operation of the MBLWHOI Library. The staff and services of the MBLWHOI Library are also utilized year-round by the students and scientists of the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center USGS, the Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Sea Education Association, and NOAA Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Science history exhibits and a commitment to preserving the record of MBL and WHOI science can be seen in in-person and online exhibits, through social media, and on the website mblwhoilibrary.org. The Library also supports a unique summer population of visiting researchers and students from more than 200 institutions worldwide.
In February of 2023, the library completed the 2023 strategic planning statement.