The Providence Public Library serves as Rhode Island's Statewide Reference Resource Center (SRRC) with state funding provided via the Office of Library and Information Services (RIGL 29-6-9). The goal of the program is to provide quality reference services to all LORI member libraries and to all residents of Rhode Island.

The collections and services of the Providence Public Library's central facility are physically and directly available to residents of Rhode Island cities and towns and other free libraries in the State at least 48 hours per week including two evenings and Saturdays. Reference services of the Providence Public Library are electronically available to other free libraries and all residents of Rhode Island at least 56 hours per week.

• FY 2008 SRRC Grant: $1,012,378
• Contract Announcement: overview of 2008 contract
• 2008 Contract: 2008 program of service
• 2006 Usage Statistics
  • Annual
  • Email
  • LORI Libraries (ILL and Reference)
• 2007 Contract
• 2005 SRRC Survey: report on usage of and future directions for the SRRC

Featured services

Online services are available at AskRI.org, the official website of the Statewide Reference Resource Center.
Learn more about AskRI.

• Ask a Librarian online reference, via email or online chat
  (in partnership with RI.gov and also available via RI.gov)
• Access to the World Book Online Reference Center and HeritageQuest Online for member libraries of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL) and all OSL cardholders (OSL is a consortium of 49 public library systems in Rhode Island that includes every city and town)
• Access to Providence Public Library resources and services, online, in-person, and via telephone