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FLEET LIBRARY | Research Guides

Rhode Island School of Design

Faculty Guide to Library Resources

An outline of library's services and resources for faculty: course reserves, off campus access to databases, e-journals, interlibrary loan, instruction, research assistance, and more

Finding Course Materials

We encourage you to use library materials in your course. Here are a few ways to do so:

  • Place print books or DVDs on course reserve. Students will be able to come in and use items for a few hours at a time. This facilitates better sharing among a classful of students.
  • Place electronic items on e-reserve. This can include PDFs, e-books, links to articles, streaming films... our E-Reserves service is an alternative to sharing links or cloud folders of readings. It can be helpful because it keeps all of your required materials listed in one place. It also enables us to share statistics with you on how frequently items were used.
  • Link directly to online readings in our databases using permalinks (or stable URLS). This will direct your student into the database and help them build familiarity with library research tools.
  • Schedule a library class visit to give your students an interactive experience with library collections and staff.

Work with a Research Librarian

Reach out to a Research Librarian if you'd like to work with us one-on-one. We can help you navigate what's available through Fleet Library, refresh/supplement your research skills, or help you plan course readings and research assignments.

Explore Open Educational Resources

Check out our OER (Open Educational Resources) guide to find out about free, openly licensed teaching and learning tools, including entire peer-reviewed textbooks.

Suggest a Book

Click here to suggest items for the library. We welcome requests and recommendations for books, eBooks, magazines, and films to add to the library collection! RISD faculty and student requests are given first priority. Please check the Fleet library catalog before making a request, and contact Donna DeForbes (ddeforbe@risd.edu) with any questions.