COVID-19 and the RIC Library

Welcome to Summer 2021.  Please review the library information below.  If you have any questions about these changes, please contact Carissa DeLizio, Director of the Adams Library.

On This Page

• Face Masks
• Building Access and Hours
• Access to Physical Materials
• Technology Lending
• Public Printers and Public Computers
• Course Reserves
• Reference & Research Support
• Archives & Special Collections

Face Masks

The requirement to wear masks inside establishments remains in place per Executive Order 21-37, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATIONS.

Building Access and Hours

To enter the library, you must use the front door accessible from the quad.  Library building access is restricted to current RIC students, staff, and faculty.  You must present either the Rave Guardian App or a current RIC ID to enter the building and will have to review the COVID-19 screening tool. 

Library Hours

• May 12-14, 8:30-4:30
• Summer Sessions 1 & 2: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00
• August 10-27, 8:30-4:30
• Closed weekends through Labor Day.

For any changes to these hours please visit the library’s website.

Per State of RI new COVID-19 guidance, as of May 7, libraries may operate at 80% capacity while maintaining 3-foot physical distancing. On May 28, libraries may move to 100% capacity, with the same mask wearing and distancing protocols in effect.

Levels 1A and 1B will be closed until further notice.

Access to Physical Materials

To limit browsing and preserve safety in the building, please find a RIC-owned title you want in the library catalog ahead of time.  Click on the title, then click on the “Place Hold” button. You will be notified via email or text message when your title is available to be picked up.  For help, please visit our Reference & Research Support site.

Technology Lending

While COVID-19 restrictions are in place at Rhode Island College, the following will apply to renewals of Adams Library technology loans:

Up to 2 renewals will be allowed before technology items will be required to be returned.  After the 1st renewal is granted, the technology item may be subject to recall.  The patron's library account must remain current and in good standing in order to have renewals granted for technology items.  If overdue fines have accrued on the library patron's account, the overdue fines must be paid before anymore technology loan checkouts.

Laptops, calculators and other types of technology may be reserved in advance using our Library Technology Request Form. 

Public Printers and Public Computers

Free black and white printing is now available for students from the public desktop computers on Level 3. No reservations required.

Library student employees will sanitize all computers and printers after use.

Course Reserves

Starting with summer session, the library will allow print course reserves.  Items will not be quarantined.  Faculty are strongly encouraged to submit e-reserves processing requests for book chapters and articles. Library staff are able to make 10% or less of a whole book available via e-reserves. Faculty are also encouraged to contact their library liaison in order to find electronic versions of print materials or alternative reading or viewing materials. Please use the Course Reserves Processing Request Form to submit materials.   For questions, please contact Brian Baker, Access Services Supervisor at adamsreserves@ric.edu.

Research Support

We’re a team of library faculty whose mission is to help you learn how to “Find Out”!  You can ask us ANYTHING….not just about your academic work when you need books or journals or documents or brainstorming about topic development, but information of any kind.

Research support is available via phone, text, email, chat, or by making a virtual research appointment. Visit our Reference & Research Support site to contact us.

Archives & Special Collections

Beginning January 19, Archives and Special Collections are open to RIC students, faculty and staff by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm.

To make an appointment contact Molly Bruce Patterson, Digital Archivist & Special Collections Librarian, at mbrucepatterson@ric.edu or 401-456-9653.

The library is continuing to provide ILL borrowing services for all RIC students, faculty & staff who need materials for their research/studies. We do want to make our patrons aware, however, that there may be delays in obtaining materials. Many libraries are not currently providing physical items or scanning of print materials since they are closed due to the COVID-19 virus and quarantines. Many libraries are working remotely and are only able to provide articles from their electronic databases. We will attempt to fill as many requests as possible but please be patient. Please direct any questions to our email (adamsill@ric.edu).