What is your barcode?

Every registered library borrower is assigned a unique 14-digit barcode that identifies him or her in the library computer system (for example, 21222005012345). This barcode is located on the front of your University ID (or on the back of older ID’s). [If you are not a URI student, faculty or staff member, your barcode can be found on the front of your Special Borrower’s Card.]

Activating or renewing your library barcode

Before being able to use many of the Libraries’ services, you may need to activate your barcode. 

Using your library barcode

You need an active barcode to do any of the following activities:

• Charge-out books and other library materials.
• Borrow items at the Reserves Desk.

Additional information

If you have any additional questions about your barcode or if you just want to check to see whether or not it is active, please contact the Circulation Desk at your home library:

Kingston: (401) 874-2672

Pell: (401) 874-6161

There are three ways to activate or update the information on your library card:

• In person
• By phone
• Online

In person - Simply stop by the main service desk at whichever URI Library you most frequent (Kingston or Narragansett) and ask a member of the staff to update the information on your card.

By phone - If you cannot access online materials from off-campus, you should first call the main service desk of whichever URI University Library you most frequent.  Explain your situation and read them the 14 digit number located beneath the barcode (beginning with 21222).  More often than not, the access problem is due to an issue with the library card.  If the card is expired or requires updated information, the staff person will either renew the card or update your library record.

It is recommended that you call the library you most frequent when involving such issues as described above.  The service desk phone numbers are: 

• Kingston: (401) 874-2672
• Pell: (401) 874-6161

Online - This online application can be used by any University of Rhode Island student, faculty or staff - whether you are a new patron wanting to activate your URI ID as a library card or needing to update information on your patron record.

The application only applies to 

• students currently enrolled at URI
• URI staff and faculty (including adjunct faculty)
• Emeritus Faculty

Please, you must allow at least two days for your application to be processed.

The link to the online application can be accessed via this link:

Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Commons

Call Us
(During Regular Hours)
(401) 874-2672

Email Us
(After Regular Hours)
librarycirc-group@uri.edu
(Please allow 1-2 business days for a response)