Frequently Asked @ the URI Libraries

Find what you need in our searchable FAQ.

What if I really need a book and it's not at URI?

397 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on May 17, 2018 Interlibrary Loan Finding Books & More

If a book you need is not available at URI, books can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. You can also check in the public libraries throughout the state of Rhode Island by searching the in Ocean State Libraries Catalog.

If the book you need is not available in either the InRhode Catalog or the Ocean State Libraries Catalog, you can submit an interlibrary loan request to have the book sent here from other libraries throughout the country.

What database should I use for my research?

375 views | 1 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Databases Articles Journals

If you are just starting your research, it is usually best to try searching in one of the General & Reference databases, like Academic Search Complete. Databases that are interdisciplinary can give you articles about your topic written by scholars in many different fields. If you need more advanced research, look in the Articles & Databases list to find a database that most closely matches your field. When you click on the All Subjects pull-down menu at the top, review the "Best Bets" at the top of the page to see if there is an even more precise database to use for your research topic.

Can I reserve a room in the Library to work in?

368 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Study Rooms Graduate Students Library Building

The library has 26 individual study carrels available for graduate students working on theses, dissertations, or research projects that are part of their graduate program. Applications for a carrel can be submitted to the Head of Access Services. For graduate research carrel policies, as well as information about application procedures click here.

What if I need an article that's not available at URI?

366 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on May 17, 2018 Interlibrary Loan Articles Journals

You can complete an interlibrary loan request for any articles that cannot be accessed from URI. You can also try searching to see if any of the public libraries throughout the state of Rhode Island subscribes to the journal or periodical you are looking for through the Ocean State Libraries Catalog.

How do I know if a journal or article is scholarly?

366 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Databases Articles Journals

There are many details in journals and articles that can help you determine if the article you found is scholarly. The Identifying Scholarly/Professional Journals guide provides you with the information and details to help you decide if your article meets the scholarly criteria.

How do I get a library card?

362 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Circulation Barcodes

Your student ID works as your library card. Each ID has a unique 12 digit barcode printed on the front that is used to check out materials. To find out how to activate your card, click here.

Will the Library buy a book I need?

356 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Book Suggestions Graduate Students Faculty Librarians

Online book suggestions forms are available if you would like to recommend a particular book for the library to purchase. Requests can be forwarded to the appropriate subject selector for the department, and you can request to be notified when the book is received.

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

348 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 URI Libraries Search Circulation Checking out Materials

Undergraduate students receive a 28-day loan for books, while faculty members and graduate students receive a 120-day loan. A borrowed book can be renewed as long as it has not be requested by another patron. Click here for more information about checking out books and renewal procedures.

What databases are available?

344 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Feb 03, 2023 Databases Articles Journals

You can browse the online databases available through the URI library by subject, or alphabetically by title here.

Is there someone I can talk to for help?

340 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on May 23, 2018 Research Research Help Librarians

Librarians are available to assist you at the Info & Research Help Desk, located in the Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Commons. Online assistance can also be received outside the library through instant message and email.

If you need more intensive help within your particular field of study, consult this list of subject selectors to find the librarian that works with your department.

What do I need to know about copyright for materials I use in my classes?

333 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Faculty Copyright

The Association of Research Libraries provides a Know Your Copy Rights brochure, as well as a Code of Best Practices to help you understand fair use as it applies to higher education.

How can I get a book someone else has checked out?

332 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 URI Libraries Search Circulation Checking out Materials

Books that are already checked out may be requested through the URI Libraries Search. Sign in with your e-Campus username and your Sakai/wireless/LDAP password. Once the book has been recalled, it must be returned to circulation desk by a date specified on the recall notice, and you will be notified when the book is available for you to at the Circulation Desk.

Can I get a card that will let me check books out of other Rhode Island research libraries?

329 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Faculty Research

Faculty and professional staff on a continuing appointment are eligible to apply for a Consortium of Rhode Island Academic and Research Libraries Card. The CRIARL Card provides access to all college and university libraries in Rhode Island, and a selection of non-academic research libraries. Requests for a CRIARL card can be made to the Head of Access Services at the University Library in Kingston, the URI Providence Campus Library, or the Pell Marine Science Library.

Can I get journal articles online?

328 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Databases Articles Journals

URI subscribes to many journals that provide online access. To search for online articles, consult the Finding Articles user guide as it explains the process of searching for articles by subject, or if you have the complete citation. URI also maintains a list of full text E-Journals, that can be searched by title, DOI, or browsed by subject.

Which librarian is my subject selector / liaison?

327 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Faculty Librarians

A list of subject selectors and their contact information is available here.

Can I use my laptop in the library?

323 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Mar 17, 2014 Computers Wireless Network Library Building

Yes, there are numerous study spaces throughout the library with access to electrical outlets. To access the internet, you will need to connect to one of the URI Wireless networks. Information about the wireless network, and how to log on is available here.

Can I get into article databases from home / off-campus?

320 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Feb 03, 2023 Databases Articles Off-Campus Access Journals

Yes! However, access to databases from off-campus is limited to current students, faculty and staff members. In order to access resources from off-campus you will be required to enter your URI email address and SSO/Brightspace password. For more information about accessing resources and its restrictions, click here.

Where can I find books?

320 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on May 09, 2018 URI Libraries Search Finding Books & More

The URI Libraries Search allows you to search for books, periodicals, videos, and other resources that are available here at URI.

Do you have any handouts on how to use the library?

319 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on May 09, 2018 User Guides Research Research Help Tutorials

There are numerous subject, course, and assignment user guides available online to assist you with your research. The library also offers a series of video and print tutorials to assist you with the research process, including how to use the URI Libraries Search and databases.

I entered my e-Campus user name and Sakai/wireless/LDAP password, but I still can't access an article/database. What do I do now?

317 views | 0 Vote this question as useful. 0 Vote this question as not useful. | Last updated on Apr 11, 2017 Databases Circulation Off-Campus Access Articles Barcodes

If you are trying to access articles and database from off campus but you are receiving an error message after you enter e-Campus user name and Sakai/Wireless/LDAP password, the issue may be that your account has not been activated. Please contact the Circulation Desk to check to make sure your card is active.

If you have already contacted the Circulation Desk to confirm that your account is active, try clearing your history and then restart the browser. Occasionally, this problem can occur if your browser is retaining cookies from previous session so it will not recognize the new information. If clearing your history does not work, you can try using a different browser all together (e.g. if you were using Internet Explorer, try Firefox or Chrome).

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