What is your barcode?

Every registered library borrower is assigned a unique 14-digit barcode that identifies them in the Library's patron database (for example, 21222005012345). This barcode is located on the front of your physical University ID.   If you have a Mobile ID, your library barcode can be accessed by you when you tap on photo side of the Mobile ID. 

If you possess a RI Resident Card (known as a Special Borrower's Card), your barcode can be found on the front.  If you possess either a CRIARL card or Boston Library Consortium Card, the barcode is on the back of those cards.   

Using your library barcode

You need an active barcode to:

• Check-out books and DVDs.
• Check out Reserves materials.
• Check out Study Rooms & whiteboard markers & laptops.

Accessing special features of the online catalog

Anyone can search URI's University Libraries' catalog, whether they are part of the URI Community or not, whether they live in Rhode Island or not. 

For URI students & faculty & staff to access special features within the catalog (such as ordering a book from the RL Carothers Library or the Pell Library or viewing an online journal or checking your library account) - they do so by signing in.  The login combination is the same as when you sign in to access the databases and Brightspace and eCampus:  your URI email and SSO. 

If you are experiencing difficulties connecting to the Library's online catalog, you may need to either activate or renew your library barcode.  You can do that either by calling the URI Library you use or fill out the online patron application.  Before being able to use many of the Libraries’ services, you may need to activate your barcode. 

Additional information

If you have any 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
• Emeritus Faculty

Please allow for 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
(401) 874-2672

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