Rhode Islanders have free and equal access to a full range of materials, information, electronic resources, programs, and other library services.

Standard 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Resources

1. All libraries are open a minimum number of hours each week, including evening and weekend hours that are based on community needs, and in accordance with the following population categories based on the 2000 census, the library/combined libraries of a city/town are open the corresponding number of unique hours:
   
   
   under 10,000: 35 hours
   10,000-19,999: 50 hours
   20,000 - 49,999: 60 hours
   50,000 and over: 65 hours

   
   In the case of combined libraries, each library is open a minimum of 25 hours. (All of the above hours refer to the winter schedule)
   
   Note: Unique hours are the total hours all public library facilities in a city or town are open, with concurrent hours being counted once.
2. All materials, except special collections, are accessible all hours the library is open.
3. When the library is closed, telephone callers hear a recorded message providing the library's open hours and web address. When the library is open, all callers reach a staff member or have the opportunity to leave a message.
4. The library makes all of its holdings known to library users statewide and extends its borrowing privileges without charge to all Rhode Islanders, regardless of age.
   View Tip Sheet for Standard 4
5. In accordance with the American Library Association’s policy statement, Free Access to Libraries for Minors, the library provides children and young adults access to all materials and services.
6. In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights the library provides materials representing diverse points of view.
7. The library makes its entire range of materials and services available to everyone, providing assistive technology, software, materials, staff assistance, and alternative access to library resources as needed.
   
   Note: Assistive technology is any item or piece of equipment which is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
   View Tip Sheet for Standard 7
8. The library provides access for users to statewide library holdings both within the library and remotely 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the World Wide Web.
9. The library encourages and provides reference and interlibrary loan services to users of all ages, including questions and requests through the telephone, Rhode Island Relay, fax, and the Internet. The library responds to reference questions by the end of the next business day.
10. The library provides access to electronic resources, including those that are available via the World Wide Web. The library provides onsite public access to the Internet appropriate to the demonstrated needs of the lcoal library community and offers instruction in its use.
11. The library provides the equipment, training, and guidance necessary for the public to access, print, and copy information available through the library’s print, media, and electronic resources, within current copyright restrictions.
12. The library actively collects and preserves materials of local interest.

Next Principle: Staff

Resources

OLIS Tip Sheet for Standard 4: Library Cards for Children

OLIS Tip Sheet for Standard 7: Providing Equal Access to Library Materials and Services

OLIS Tip Sheet for Websites: Minimum Standards & Public Library Websites