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Library of Rhode Island Certification

RI libraries may become members of the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) resource sharing network by meeting Standards and Regulations and agreeing to its resource sharing policies and protocols. Certified members are eligible to participate in statewide delivery and other resource sharing activities such as FirstSearch and the ILL Clearinghouse. Libraries are certified for membership annually.

FY2025 LORI Certification

The FY2025 LORI Certification will open July 15, 2024 and will close September 15, 2024. School libraries have an extended September 30, 2024 deadline to complete and submit the certification survey.

Certification Components

  • Key Contacts Update
  • ILL Statistics Report Form
  • Collections & Delivery Report
  • Technology Scan
  • Standards Certification Form
  • Interlibrary Loan and Library Service Policies

For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions About Standards and Regulations. 

Waiver Request

When a library cannot comply with a particular standard, the library must submit a Request for Waiver, one for each standard not met. The Chief of Library Services will render a written decision within six weeks of receiving the request.

The library may appeal the decision of the Chief of Library Services to the Library Board of Rhode Island by sending a letter of appeal to the Chair of the Library Board of Rhode Island with a copy to the Chief of Library Services. The library must send the letter within four weeks of the decision.

The Library Board of Rhode Island will hear the appeal at its regular meeting or within six weeks of the appeal, whichever comes first. A written response will be sent to the library within two weeks of the appeal hearing.