Mission and Policies

The James P. Adams Library provides students and faculty with the information, recorded knowledge and services necessary to support and improve instruction and learning at Rhode Island College.

The Library:

• Provides convenient and comprehensive access to the information and knowledge resources appropriate to student scholarship and learning; offers instruction in the effective utilization of the library's resources; acquires and organizes materials according to appropriate standards; and supports faculty research by providing relevant information and knowledge.
• Upholds the intellectual freedom of its users by building a collection that manifests a diversity of views and by ensuring the confidentiality of patron transactions.
• Strives to offer a comfortable setting for intellectual pursuits. Facilities support access to the library and its materials by people with disabilities.
• Maintains service to the academic and scholarly communities of the state, the region, the nation, and the world through cooperative arrangements that provide reciprocal benefits to the College.

Vision

The James P. Adams Library welcomes and engages the students of Rhode Island College, as well as the broader college community, with accessible and enduring research collections, innovative learning opportunities, and inclusive services, spaces, and programs. The Library embeds itself in the diverse RIC community and the dynamic curriculum.

Values

We aspire to the following values to foster academic excellence, enhance student success, and create a meaningful connection to the institution.

• User-centered - “What do our users need, and how do we best deliver on these needs?” This question should frame all library goals and decision-making, no matter how large or small. Everything we do impacts users in some way; through formal and informal information-gathering we aspire to keep them at the forefront when doing our work.
• Inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility - We strive to develop an inclusive and diverse community that embraces differences and recognizes the worth and dignity of all members of our community. We aspire to ensure equitable and impartial access to resources, services, and programs, while confronting institutional bias and structural racism.
• Connectedness and collaboration –We strive to create a culture of connectedness and collaboration with intentional partnerships with the College community and beyond to strengthen the impact of our work and leverage our position on campus as the hub of scholarship and learning.
• Expertise and creativity - We are information experts committed to supporting students of all prior experience and academic levels throughout the research process. We help students to develop strong research questions, apply research methods, identify relevant databases and tools, construct productive searches, and to discover, evaluate, and access information sources of all types.
• Sustainability - Sustainability is a fundamental guiding principle for collection development, resource management, staffing levels, and the overall environmental footprint of the Library. Investments in these areas are addressed with longevity in mind coupled with an ability to pivot as needs evolve. Mindful stewards of college resources, staff continuously streamline and adopt new methods and technologies that further our sustainable aspirations and goals.