Adams Library
The James P. Adams Library provides:
- Access to information in print and online.
- Reference services in person and through use of the “ASK US” button on the Library homepage.
- One-on-one research consultation.
- Public computers for use throughout the building.
- Laptops, iPads and Nexus 7 tablets for loan.
The library collection today includes 130,121 eBooks, 51,373 journals in electronic format and 153 databases, all of which are accessible both on and off campus. Print holdings include 250,000 books and 194 periodicals. It also has a collection of technical reports, newspapers and government publications on microfiche; a DVD collection of films and documentaries; a variety of music CDs; and a rotating collection of popular fiction and non-fiction books for recreational reading.
In order to have access to the full range of library services, students are required to have a RIC College ID card activated for library use. This can be done in person at the circulation desk, over the phone by calling 456-9617 or via the online form at www.ric.edu/librarycardactivation.
Library faculty collaborate with the college faculty to create library instruction for specific courses focused on the discovery, use and evaluation of library resources and information on the web. During a year the library provides 200 library instruction sessions which are attended by 3,500 students. These sessions are conducted by the reference librarians who also answer about 9,000 reference questions a year.
The library’s participation in the Higher Education Library Information Network (HELIN) allows the RIC community to borrow from academic and hospital libraries throughout the state with a click of a button in the online catalog. Users can request items not available in the HELIN consortium through the library’s document delivery service.
The College Archives, a rich depository of the history and records of Rhode Island College as well as faculty and alumni publications and student theses, are located in the Special Collections Department. Special collections includes a number of subject collections consisting of papers books, manuscripts and other resources that document the state’s education, ethnic and socio-political history. A growing number of student theses and honor projects, faculty publications and special collections materials are also accessible electronically in the Digital Commons.
The Curriculum Resources Center, housed within the library, provides instructional material and curriculum development resources for teachers and teacher education programs.
Information about library hours, services and resources can be found on the Adams Library website at www.ric.edu/adamslibrary and by linking to Resources & Services for Students at: http://digitalcommons.ric.edu/handbooks/3/