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LORI Network: Why Join LORI?

Learn about the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) network and the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS).

The Benefits of LORI Membership

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.

Please note that LORI eligibility requirements mandate that at least one member of library staff must hold an MLIS from an ALA-accredited school. Please see Section 3.02 of the LORI Standards and Regulations web page for more information. 

 

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).