A message from University Libraries and Facilities Operations
Nov. 13, 2024
A portion of the Robert L. Carothers Library and Learning Commons third floor is undergoing environmental remediation. Certain areas are closed to library patrons, while other third-floor areas remain open. If you cannot access needed material, please visit the circulation desk.
What environmental remediation work is being conducted?
Mold was detected on a limited number of books in the library’s collection. Remediation work to clean books in those collections will begin soon.
What is being done to ensure community health?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present.
The impacted collections have been wrapped, and the remediation work will be conducted in a closed, controlled environment. Air purifying machines are in use on the library third floor to ensure healthy air quality. Additionally, air-quality samples are being taken, and all samples have yielded healthy air-quality results.
What does this mean for use of the third floor to work or study?
The third floor of Carothers Library has designated areas where books will be cleaned in a closed, controlled environment. Those areas are clearly identified and are not open to use. Other third floor spaces, including public study spaces, Galanti Lounge, group study rooms, and graduate carrels, remain open for use.
What does this mean for the use of books in the area?
Some books will be unavailable during the remediation process. Please visit the circulation desk if you need a book from an impacted collection. Library staff will assist with submitting an interlibrary loan or facilitate other options for obtaining the book. While there may be exceptions, most materials will be received in two to seven business days.
What specific areas of the collection are affected?
Books in the following areas have been affected:
History
– Books with call numbers starting with DS through DX
– All books with call numbers starting with E
– Some books with call numbers starting with F
Language and Literature
– All books with call numbers beginning with P
– Recreation, Sports, and Games
– All books with call numbers from GV691 to GV1860
Social Sciences
– All books with call numbers from H1 through HA29
Where are new books that would typically be in these sections being shelved?
New books that would otherwise be shelved in the areas undergoing remediation are being made available on range 66, which is located on the third floor.
How long will the process take?
The process is expected to continue through the end of the academic year in May 2025.
Thank you for your patience during the process. Updates regarding collection availability will be posted to the library website at: uri.libguides.com/collaccess.
If you have additional questions about library services, please contact Peter Larsen, interim dean of the university libraries, at: plarsen@uri.edu.