Services and policies for those not currently affiliated with Brown
All visitors to the Brown Library must comply with rules and regulations of Brown University and the Brown University Library.
All patrons must display a valid picture ID to gain access to the Brown University Library.
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Access to the Brown libraries is granted upon the presentation of a RISD ID. Current RISD students, faculty and staff may borrow selected material. More information.
- HELIN: Access to the Brown libraries is granted upon the presentation of a HELIN ID. Current HELIN students, faculty and staff may borrow selected material. More information.
- Visiting faculty and graduate students may apply for building access cards for a single two week period. Applications are issued at the Brown University Rockefeller Library. A current ID from the home institution is required.
- Undergraduate students from other academic institutions must present a letter of referral issued from their home library. A current ID from the home institution is required.
- Brown Alumni
- 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. Anyone with a research need may purchase access cards for specified periods at the following rates. Access card, one year $75.00. Access card, six months $50.00. Borrowing cards may be purchased for $400.00, good for 1 year.
- 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 (401-863-9445) is encouraged.
- Computing: There is limited computing for non-Brown patrons. Not all electronic databases and journals are available to non-Brown users.
- Printing: Printing vendor cards are required. Purchase print cards at the Rockefeller or Science Library lobbies.
- Wireless access: Visitors are not able to use the wireless network at this time.
- Accessibility: Rockefeller, Sciences, and Orwig Libraries are wheelchair accessible.
- Policies for Individual Libraries:
- 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, or a library card from a consortia partner (RISD / HELIN) are required for admission. Other visitors may apply for access cards.
- John Hay Library and John Carter Brown Library: The John Hay Library's special collections are available to the public. Contact Readers' Services (401-863-3723.) John Carter Brown Library is a separately administered unit of Brown University. More information at 401-863-2725.
- Art Slide Library: This unit of the Library is available to non-Brown patrons by special arrangement. Contact Art Slide Library (401-863-3218)