This is a summary of information regarding Library services and policies for library users who are not currently Brown students, faculty or staff.

• Josiah: Access to the library's holdings is open to the general public online through Josiah, the Brown University Library catalog.

• Access for Visiting Scholars and Researchers:
  • Rockefeller Library, Sciences Library and Orwig Music Library: Access privileges allow an authorized individual to use most library material An issued Brown Library access card, a written referral from consortia library partner (CRIARL and BLC), or a library card from a consortia partner are required for admission. More information at Rockefeller Circulation
  • John Hay Library and John Carter Brown Library: The John Hay Library's special collections are available to the public. More information at Readers' Services or call 401-863-3723. The John Carter Brown Library, containing an outstanding collection of rare Americana, is a separately administered unit of Brown University. More information at 401-863-2725.

  • Art Slide Library, Media Services: These units of the Library are available to non-Brown patrons by special arrangement only. Please contact them for information: Art Slide Library (phone 401-863-3218) or Media Services.

  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Access to the Brown libraries is granted upon the presentation of a current RISD ID. Faculty may arrange for borrowing privileges under the CRIARL agreement described above. Graduate students and a limited number of undergraduates are permitted to borrow from Brown during the academic year; interested students must first obtain a referral letter from the RISD Library.

• General Public: The Brown Library serves the State of Rhode Island as a special research center. An individual with a short-term research need should first consult a librarian at a Rhode Island public library or at the Dept. of State Library Services.

• U.S. Government Documents: Brown's collections of United States, United Nations, and Rhode Island government publications are open to the public. Prior arrangement with the Rockefeller Documents Department (401-863-2522) is encouraged.

• Library Services
  • Accessibility: Rockefeller, Sciences, and Orwig Libraries are wheelchair accessible. Access to a reader for the visually impaired is available in the Rock.

  • Computers: Computer clusters are available in the Rock and SciLi, and require a Brown AuthID. Carrels for laptop use are in the Hecker Center, Rock level 1.

• Library Locations and Hours

• Visiting Brown University