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.

The collection includes approximately one-half million volumes of books, 20-plus e-book databases, over 30,000 electronic journals, and hundreds of research databases available through the RensSearch information gateway on the Web. Library services include an electronic class reserves system, photocopy facilities, interlibrary loan, 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 (formerly the Writing Center). Students may take a break in the Library Café or borrow the latest best-seller from the Class of 1996 Reading Room’s recreational reading collections. Individual assistance and equipment are available for special needs.