The Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) is a state agency that runs the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) network. This network is comprised of school, public, academic, and special libraries, including all members of the HELIN and Ocean State Libraries consortia, and many members (currently two-thirds) of the RILINK consortium.
More information about the LORI network is available here: http://www.olis.ri.gov/lori/
See a list of all current LORI member libraries here: http://www.olis.ri.gov/lori/delivery/schedule.php
There is no cost to become a LORI member, and no portion of RILINK member dues is assessed for joining LORI.
The LORI certification period usually runs from January 15 to approximately March 15 each calendar year. This is the only time period when RILINK members who are not yet LORI members may apply for LORI membership.
The primary reason that RILINK requests that its members join the LORI network is to facilitate resource sharing and interlibrary loan, which are vital components of RILINK's mission. LORI membership includes free access to delivery services, enabling RILINK members who join LORI to borrow items from (and loan items to) each other, as well as to borrow from (and loan to) any other participating LORI member library around the state.
LORI membership includes other benefits as well, including access to FirstSearch and the LORI ILL Clearinghouse, for borrowing items from out-of-state libraries when local items are not available.
OLIS also provides free professional development courses to all LORI members, and offers support and guidance on a wide range of library-related issues, services, and programs, including youth services and the Talking Books Library (the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped).
