University Libraries

The University of Rhode Island has a library on each of its three campuses: University Library on the main camups in Kingston, Pell Marine Science Library on the URI Bay Campus in Narragansett and the URI Providence Campus Library. This orientation will focus on the main library in Kingston.

Main Floor

This section will show you the different floors of the University Library in Kingston. When you have completed it, you will have a good idea of the layout of the building, and you will have learned about some of the services and materials available in the Library.

Circulation Located at the entrance to the Library, the Circulation Desk is the place where you can check out and return library materials. This is also where you can activate your account so you can borrow books and renew materials. Circulation is the place to go if you have any question about your library account. Remember, reference books, reserved material, periodicals (magazines and journals), and materials from Special Collections do not circulate and must be used in the library.
24 Hour Room The 24 Hour Room is located across from the Circulation Desk near the entrance to the library. The 24 Hour Room is available to students for study and group projects including 24 hour periods from Sunday through Thursday during the regular academic year. There is a coffee cart where light refreshments are sold.
Reference The Reference Desk is located just past the main stairway on the right, across from Government Publications. Reference librarians will help you find information in the library. Behind the desk you’ll find the Reference Online Center (ROC) where there are over 25 computers available for searching electronic databases in many disciplines. The reference print collection includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, indexes, bibliographies, atlases and other reference material in the arts and sciences. The Fain Room (Room 115) is a quiet place to study and which also houses computer equipment for the visually impaired. The Office of Student Life (874-2101) provides instruction in the use of this equipment. The Reference staff also offers instruction on searching databases and indexes, using the HELIN catalog and other library resources.
Reserves The Reserves Desk is located across from Current Periodicals just past the Reference Desk. At the Reserves Desk inside, students can pick up material that faculty set aside for their courses. You’ll need your URI ID to borrow material which you can use for two hours in the library.
Periodicals Current periodicals, including journals, magazines and newspapers are located at the far end of the first floor. Only the latest issues (ones from the current year or volume) are kept on this level. Older issues are bound into volumes and are shelved in the Lower Level of the library. Both current and bound periodicals are shelved in order by their call numbers.
Government Publications URI is a partial depository for government publications and the University maintains an extensive collection of materials published by the US government and the Rhode Island state government. These include Congressional records, federal agency surveys and statistics, case law, legal codes, and regulations.

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