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FAQs for Undergrads, Grad Students, and Faculty

Welcome! This page lists many of the questions students ask us frequently, and provides links to more information. If you have a question that isn't addressed below, please contact us!

Getting Started

What are the Library's Hours?
You can check the Libraries' hours via the links below. The Carothers Library in Kingston also has the 24 Hour Room, which is open around the clock.

 

Can anyone show me around the library?
The self-guided tour below will help you become familiar with the Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Commons in Kingston. If you have further questions about locations of services, please visit the main desk in any of our libraries.

 

How do I get a library card?
Your ID serves as your library card. See the link below for more details.

 

Can I use my laptop in the Library?
Yes! And we have desktop computers available if you don't feel like carrying your laptop around. See the link below for details on connecting to the wifi.

 

How does copying and printing work?
Copying and printing is available in the Libraries, and you can print from your own computer or a Library computer. There is a charge for printing and copying. See the details below.

 

Do we have access to a citation manager?
Yes! URI subscribes to RefWorks, which connects to Word and Google Docs to help you write and cite correctly and efficiently.

Getting Help

Is there someone I can talk to for help?
Yes! All three of our libraries have desks where you can get assistance. The links below will connect you to further help.

 

Do you have any information on how to use the Library?
We have a variety of self-guided tools that you can use to get started, including our User Guides and the InfoRhode Tutorials.

 

Is there a class I could take that would make me more confident in doing research?
The University Libraries offer three courses that can help you improve your research skills. See the details and descriptions below.

Finding Books

How can I tell what books you have?
The URI Libraries Search lists our books, journal subscriptions, videos, and more.

 

How long can I keep a book out? Can I renew it?

 

How can I get a book someone else has checked out?
You can request the book, and you will receive the book when the other person has returned it. See details below.

 

What if I really need a book and it’s not in the catalog?
We have an Interlibrary Loan service that will order books and other materials you need for your research. Follow the links below to learn more.


Can I see a list of the books I have checked out?
Yes - go to the My Library Account link on the Libraries' website, or click on the link below.

Finding Articles

What article databases are available online?
We have many! Follow the link below to find databases by name, topic, and content.

 

Can I get into these databases from home / off-campus?
Yes! You can use our databases from wherever you have internet access. You'll need your URI email address and SSO password. See the link below if those don't seem to work for you.

 

How do I know if the Library subscribes to the journal I need?
All of the Libraries' subscriptions are listed in the 
URI Libraries Search. You can also check the eJournals list if you are only interested in what we have online.

 

What if I need an article that’s not available at URI?
In many cases, we can order it for you at no charge. Details on ordering articles are available from the links below.

Finding Other Materials

My professor put some reading on Reserve in the Library. How do I get it?
If it's a print book, you'll need to come to the Library to access it. If it's online, you can find directions for accessing E-Reserves below.

 

Does the library have DVDs, video tapes, and CDs?
We do! We also have listening and viewing stations in the Library. See the link below for more information.

 

I have to work on a group project with some of my classmates? Is there a place we can meet?
Feel free to use any of our collaborative areas on the first and second levels of the Library. We also have Group Study Rooms that you can check out with your ID.

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