Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services

The Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services Is the state library agency of Rhode Island, located in Providence, Rhode Island.[1] It creates and maintains plans for library development statewide, administers the interlibrary loan program, and plans resource sharing to serve the libraries of the state.[1] OLIS also offers services to the public including through the Talking Books Library, the Statewide Reference Resource Center (AskRI), and directories of government and library services in Rhode Island.[1] The Library Board of Rhode Island, made up of citizens and representatives from all types of libraries and appointed by the Governor, advises OLIS.[2]

Office of Library and Information Services
Agency overview
JurisdictionState of Rhode Island
HeadquartersOne Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Agency executive
  • Karen Mellor, Chief of Library Services
Parent agencyRhode Island Department of Administration
Websiteolis.ri.gov

Rhode Island also has a State Library which is a Federal Depository Library as well as a non-circulating library with a collection that is collection that is primarily legislation-related.[3] It is housed inside the Rhode Island State House.[3]

History edit

The State Board of Education in Rhode Island was created in 1870 which disbursed some funds to public libraries.[4] By 1935, the Rhode Island State Library was administering state aid for community libraries and library extension service.[4] The Department of State Library Services (now OLIS) was founded in 1964 as a result of legislation initiated by the Rhode Island Library Association, taking over some of these roles from the State Library.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "About OLIS". Office of Library and Informatoon Services. State of Rhode Island. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  2. ^ "Library Board of Rhode Island". Office of Library and Information Services. State of Rhode Island. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b "State of Rhode Island: Nellie M. Gorbea>". Rhode Island. 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
  4. ^ a b c Iacono, Frank P. (2006). Rhode Island Public Library Trustees Handbook (PDF). Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services. Retrieved 20 November 2020.

External links edit


41°49′59″N 71°24′55″W / 41.8331°N 71.4154°W / 41.8331; -71.4154