Borrowing

Book icon

Borrowing

Use your RWU ID to borrow from any of the libraries on campus. You can view your borrowing history and renew items in the Checkouts section of your Library My Account.

What you can borrow

RWU students, faculty, and staff 
  • Undergraduates: 100 books and 5 media items, initially for 30 days. Loans can be renewed.
  • Faculty: 100 books and 5 media items, initially for 90 days. Loans can be renewed.
  • Staff and graduate students: 100 books and 5 media items, initially for 60 days. Loans can be renewed.
Borrowing reserve items, equipment, or high-demand Materials 
  • Items on course reserve typically have loan periods ranging from 1 hour to 3 hours and must be used within the library building.
  • Other high demand items may also have restricted loan conditions.
  • Any items designated as "not for loan" must be used within the library building.
RWU alumni 
  • 60 books and 2 media items, initially for 30 days. Book loans can be renewed for 14 additional days and media loans cannot be renewed.
  • Access to online databases: RWU alumni may access our online databases and e-resources by visiting the libraries on the Bristol campus. For licensing reasons, RWU is unable to provide off-campus access to online library resources for alumni.
Bristol, RI residents and visitors 
  • Borrowing privileges are extended to Bristol residents who are 18 years of age or older. Please bring proof of your residence to the University Library Information Desk to apply for a library card.
  • Visitors are welcome to use the facilities and resources of the University & Architecture Libraries. Visitors must register at the Information Desk upon arrival by signing the visitor log.

Renewing loans

After the initial loan period, you may renew most loans by going to Library My Account, unless

  • it has been requested by another user
  • it is course reserve, high-demand, or otherwise restricted material
  • you have overdue loans
  • you have reached the maximum number of renewals for the item

Returning borrowed items

All borrowed items can be returned to either the University Library or the Architecture Library. Please note the following

  • Books and media items may be returned 24/7 by dropping them in the return book drop box outside the University Library.
  • Borrowed items may also be returned by dropping them at the InfoDesk at either the University Library or the Architecture Library during opening hours.
  • Borrowed equipment, technology, or games may be returned to the InfoDesk at either the University Library or the Architecture Library during opening hours. Please do not leave these items in the return book drop box.
  • Items may be returned via mail by sending them to "University Library, Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809."

Overdue items

It is your responsibility to return or renew borrowed items by the due date.