Library Services
Campus libraries are closed, but you can still access all the features at our online library located at ccri.edu/library.
Librarians have created a resource for students adjusting to online learning with its Get the Facts: Coronavirus and Distance Learning for Students guide. In addition, students can visit the Ask Us! site for research help and answers to questions about library resources and services.
Resources & services available during the fall semester
- The library offers a self-guided search wizard to help students locate, and request, materials. We are also updating the library website to be easier to use and find the items/information that students need.
- An easy way for students to find materials is to start on the library homepage, search the online catalog, and limit the search to items currently available at the CCRI libraries.
- Online research guides, by subject, are available and continue to be added to by the librarians.
- The library subscribes to more than 100 research databases.
- The CCRI Libraries subscribe to 218,756 e-books. These can be searched and read using the advanced catalog search page, with the format limited to e-books, and the setting ‘held by CCRI’.
- The library has created a video on how to search for e-books.
- The librarians can assist students in finding materials in the catalog by using the screensharing tool in LibAnswers (chat).
- Library chat, as well as text-a-librarian (401-235-4290), and email virtual reference assistance is available online. Synchronous chat and text service is online Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We will reply to questions entered after business hours on the following business day.
- The library has added an appointment system for virtual 1-on-1 reference appointments using Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
- Interlibrary loan (ILL) book requests will be operational, but slower because of Covid-19. Article requests, because delivered electronically, will turn around much more quickly.
- The library will continue to offer online library instruction opportunities, including synchronous library instruction sessions, pre-recorded videos, Web materials and research guides to assist students with specific research assignments or projects. The library will provide online library instruction for any faculty member who wishes to incorporate this into their course.
Hours of operations
CCRI Library will continue to operate virtually for the fall semester, and library spaces will NOT be open walk-in, study hall space due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Study spaces are available in designated areas on each campus. All Library services will be delivered online, complemented by curbside delivery of books, laptops, and tablets. For more information, please visit our website.
We will staff the libraries in Providence, Warwick, and Lincoln for pick-up and drop-off services from Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm; and the Newport library will offer this service Monday–Thursday from 12–4 pm.
Borrowing books
Students may order books, laptops, or tablets online. (Click here to look up and order books, and here to request technology loans). Library staff will schedule a pickup time with the student to collect the items at the identified campus entrance at the scheduled time.
Library staff will be available for curbside delivery at Providence, Warwick, and Lincoln from Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm; and at Newport from Monday–Thursday, 12–4 pm.
Returning books
Students must return books in book drops located at the main entrance of each campus. Books will be loaned in plastic library bags, and we ask they be returned in these bags. Books will then be quarantined for 72 hours.
Borrowing laptops and tablets
Students should use the library chat reference service to request a laptop or tablet. They can also text the library message system with their request. Library staff will reply with availability or options for reserving equipment and to schedule a pick-up time using the library’s pick-up scheduling system.
How to return borrowed laptops and tablets
When returning technology, students should contact the library where they borrowed the equipment in order to schedule a time to return the devices. They should contact the library via the help page. After they contact us, we will use the library’s separate application, our curbside scheduling system to schedule a drop-off appointment. Once a confirmed appointment is set, a library staff member will meet the individual at the appointed time, at the main building entrance, to accept return of the equipment.
Decontamination for both books and technology equipment
The library will quarantine all returned items, in their plastic bag packaging, for 72 hours. For print books, the Northeast Document Conservation Center recommends this baseline 72-hour quarantine. For laptops and tablets, after the 72-hour quarantine we will follow recommendations to wipe them down with alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol, and then dry them thoroughly. Personnel receiving returned equipment will wear gloves and masks. We will label decontaminated laptops and tablets with initials and date on the label, to ensure that reissued equipment is verified clean. We will purchase plastic keyboard covers for the laptops.
If you need additional help, feel free to contact your Library Dean and Chair:
George Hart
Dean of Library and Academic Innovation
C: 978-831-4426
[email protected]
Jim Salisbury
Associate Professor
Reference Librarian/Department Chair
[email protected]
Knight Campus