Folsom Library, the main campus library, was dedicated in 1976 by former Rensselaer President Richard G. Folsom. With state-of-the-art electronic retrieval services and study space for over 900 students, the Folsom Library serves as Rensselaer’s central library while the Architecture Library, located in the Greene Building, supports the School of Architecture programs.

Access is provided to over 385,000 print books, over 45,000 electronic and print journals, over 23,000 electronic books, and several image databases.  When researchers need material not held in Rensselaer’s collection, they can initiate online interlibrary loan requests or use the Connect NY service to borrow books directly, and receive rapid delivery, from a state-wide consortia providing over 5,000,000 titles.

Library services include an electronic class reserves system, photocopy facilities, borrowing privileges at most academic libraries in the area, individual consulting on research projects, and group study rooms. The first floor of the library houses the Center for Communication Practices.

Students may take a break in the Library Café or borrow the latest best-seller from the Class of 1996 Reading Room — or a feature film DVD from the collection in the North Lounge.