Use of the Library:
Borrowing Privileges

Library Services:
Reference Services
Search Requests
Reserves
Inter-Library Loan
Photocopying
Acquisition Requests
Print Room
Related Services

Library Policies:
Overdues and Fines
Bills
Damages
Debts

Borrowing Privileges
Library materials circulate to all members of the RISD/Providence Athenaeum community upon presentation of proper identification. A limited privilege membership may be granted to those outside the RISD/Providence Athenaeum community for a fee. The standard loan period is three weeks, with exceptions for some types of materials; many items in the collections cannot be circulated and are designated for on-site use only.
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Reference Services
Information relating to access and use of the library's collections, may be obtained at the Reference Desk in the second-floor Reading Room. Assistance is available in using the online catalog and a variety of print and electronic reference resources. Help in locating materials from the open stacks is also available and materials from Special Collections may be requested for in-library use.

Reference librarians are available for help in navigating the wide range of information resources in the RISD Library and beyond. They are also available for individual consultations concerning in-depth research in a given subject. Librarians provide individual or group instruction for general use of the library and information literacy. Appointments may also be made for groups to view selections of materials from the library's Special Collections. Arrangements for special consultations, instruction, or viewing of materials should be made with the Reader's Services Librarian a week in advance 401 454-6227.
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Search Requests
The library will conduct searches for books and periodicals that you are unable to locate on the shelves. Requests for searches may be made at the Reference Desk. If the item is found and is not checked out, it will be held for you at the Circulation Desk for one week. If the item is checked out and not due yet, you will be notified as soon as it is returned. If the item is checked out and overdue, it will be recalled for you as soon as possible. Inquiries regarding the status of your search request may be made at the Circulation Desk 401 454-6225.
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Reserves
Each semester, high-demand readings required by professors are held on reserve at the Circulation Desk. Reserve materials, listed by professor name or by course title, are accessed under the heading "Search Course Reserves" on the main menu screen of the RISD Library online catalog. Reserve materials may be used either on-site in the library or borrowed overnight. Overnight reserves may be checked out of the building no earlier than one hour before closing and must be returned no later than 10am the next day. All materials are stamped with their circulation status.
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Inter-Library Loans
Materials not owned by the RISD Library may be available from other libraries through the process of inter-library loan. RISD faculty, staff, museum curators, full-time students, and certificate candidates may take advantage of this service, but should keep in mind that ample time will be needed for processing. Requests may be made at the Reference Desk.

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Photocopying
Two self-service black and white photocopiers are located in the peiodical stack room, on the upper level, near the Picture Collection. Copies may be made on 8.5 X 11 or 8.5 X 14 inch paper and cost 10 cents per page. It is your responsibility to comply with U.S. Copyright Law. Please note that the copy machines are shut down 15 minutes before the library closes.
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Acquisition Requests
Recommendations for the purchase of materials not owned by the RISD Library but potentially useful and supportive of the collection are welcomed and encouraged. Requests may be made online by selecting the heading "Books the Library Should Acquire" from the main menu screen of the online catalog, or by requesting a paper form at the Reference or Circulation Desks.
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Print Room
Some rare books, listed in the library online catalog, which deal with drawings, prints and photographs pertinent to the RISD Museum's permanent collection are housed in the Museum Print Room. These materials are non-circulating and may be used by appointment only 401 454-6518.
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Related Services
A copy stand for photographic reproductions is available in the Periodical Reading Room on the street level. Bring your own camera.

Use of library computers for accessing e-mail is restricted to the two computers in the Periodical Reading Room only.
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Overdues and Fines
Borrowers are encouraged to return or renew materials promptly in order to avoid fines and billing charges. Failure to return library materials or to pay excessive fines in a timely fashion will result in the suspension of borrowing privileges. A reminder regarding unreturned items will be sent when they are one week overdue and again at three weeks. Four weeks after the due date, unreturned materials will be considered "lost" and you will be billed for replacement costs.
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Bills
Bills for unreturned materials will include the replacement cost of the item plus a processing fee of $40 for in-print materials. For out-of-print materials, a $50 processing fee will be added to the replacement cost. Please keep in mind that many items cost between $50 and $100 to replace, with some titles considerably exceeding this amount. Unreturned clippings are billed at a rate of $2 each and mounted reproductions at $5 each. If you return an item after a bill has been sent, you will only owe the overdue fines. If a lost item is found within a six-month period, you will receive a refund of the replacement cost but not of overdue fines and bill processing fees.
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Damages
A fee is charged for materials damaged while on loan. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who intentionally damages library materials.
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Debts
The consequence of library debts, including unpaid fines totaling more than $10 or any unpaid bill, is the suspension of borrowing privileges. Unpaid bills and fines are sent to the Business Office for collection at the close of each academic year.
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