Libraries in Rhode Island receive appropriate levels of funding so that residents can make optimum use of the many informational and cultural resources available in their collections or through electronic gateways. All types of libraries work together to share their expertise and their resources for the benefit of all the people of Rhode Island. Citizens of Rhode Island can find materials and information on any subject, rapidly, from convenient locations, on demand. Library users are assisted by librarians and expert staff, who tailor resources and services to meet individual needs, and help people to locate books, materials, and information that nourish personal and economic growth. Through the virtual library, Rhode Islanders have access to a wide variety of library resources in many formats.
Technology makes it possible for each library to be a door to the worldwide virtual library.
With the help of a trained librarian, users can locate the resources they seek, or enter the virtual library using their personal computer at home or at work. The virtual library itself is also a door to libraries in the rest of the world, as well as to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Through the virtual library, users have access to books and other materials, online databases, web pages, and other information, which can be delivered in hard copy or electronic form. State government has primary responsibility for providing the infrastructure for this virtual library, while individual communities, academic institutions, schools, and other organizations are responsible for tailoring their local resources and facilities to local needs and institutional missions. Sufficient staff are available at the state level with the expertise to maintain the infrastructure for both electronic and physical delivery of materials and information, ensure access to information and library resources, increase public awareness of these resources, provide referral service, and maintain quality control.