Our Mission:

The Rio Salado College Library and Information Center provides convenient, equitable access to a wide selection of high-quality print and electronic resources, utilizing both traditional and non-traditional formats. Through a single gateway, employing a combination of innovative and cutting-edge delivery methods, we provide a supportive learning environment for the Rio Salado learning community. We foster lifelong learning and information literacy skills for all of our students, customers and employees.

Rio Salado Students and Faculty
Where is the library located?
What are your hours?
What is available to me in the Rio Library?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a password for the online magazines and e-books?
What kind of materials can I check out?
How long is the checkout period?
Can I request books and videos online?
Can I request materials that you do not have in the Rio Library?
Can library materials be mailed to me?
Do I need to come to the library to return my materials?
What happens if I don't return my materials on time?
Rio Salado College Library Interlibrary Loan Policy

Distance Learning Course Materials
What are distance learning materials?
How do I get distance learning materials?
How long may I keep distance learning materials?
How do I return my distance learning materials?
What happens if I do not return my distance learning materials?

Community Borrowers
Where is the library located?
Can a resident of the community obtain a library card?
What types of material can a community borrower check out?
Can a community borrower request materials from other libraries?

Rio Salado Students and Faculty

Where is the library located?
2323 W. 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
Telephone: (480) 517-8424 or 1-(866) 670-8420 (Toll-free)
Fax: (480) 517-8449

What are your hours?
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is available to me in the Rio Library?
Books, videos, DVD's, audio cassettes, and CD's (through the library online catalog, require a library card to check out)

Magazines, journals, newspapers, encyclopedia, images. (online subscription databases, require password)

E-books (full-text electronic books, require password)

How do I get a library card?
You may obtain a library card by calling the Rio Library at 480-517-8424 or 1-(866) 670-8420 (toll-free), or in person at the library. You may also request a library card through our Ask a Librarian service.

How do I get a password for the online magazines and e-books?
Review the instructions at this link:  Library login help.

What kind of materials can I check out?
You may check out books, videos, audio cassettes, CD's, and DVDs.

How long is the checkout period?
Students Faculty
  • Books = 21 days - 1 renewal
  • Videos/DVDs, audiocassettes & CDs = 7 days - 1 renewal
  • Maximum of 10 items, of which 5 may be video
  • 3 items per subject
  • Books = 30 days - 1 renewal
  • Videos/DVDs, audiocassettes & CDs = 7 days - 1 renewal
Please call the Circulation Desk at 480-517-8424 to renew, or e-mail Us.

Can I request library books and videos online?
Yes, you may request library books and videos by using the Place Request link in the Online Library Catalog or through our Ask a Librarian link.

Can I request materials that you do not have in the Rio Library?
Yes, you may request up to 5 books at one time from any of the other Maricopa Community College libraries through the online catalog. You have the option of requesting where you would prefer to pick up these books-at any of the community college libraries or at the Rio sites.

Interlibrary loan service is also available for books that are not owned by the Maricopa Community College Libraries (See ILL Policy). You may request these books by calling the library at 480-517-8424 or via e-mail.

Can library materials be mailed to me?
Yes, books and videos belonging to the Rio Library can be mailed to your home address. However, any books or videos/DVDs that come from other libraries must be picked up in person. You can request that these be sent to the Rio library or Rio sites for pickup if that is more convenient for you.

Do I need to come to the library to return my materials?
You may return your library books and videos at the Rio Library Circulation Desk, or at the drop box which is located in the parking lot of the Rio Salado College Tempe site. You may also return books and videos at any of the Maricopa Community College Libraries or at any of the Rio Salado College sites. You may also mail your materials back to the library.

Exception: Distance Learning Materials MUST be returned to Rio Salado College or any of the Rio satellite sites.

What happens if I don't return my materials on time?
Overdue notices are sent out as a courtesy reminder. Please return materials by the due date.

Library materials that are not returned after 30 days are considered lost, and these items will be billed to you at the list price. Student records and grades will be placed on hold until the materials are returned or paid for. Bills for non-returned materials may be submitted for collections.

Distance Learning Course Materials

What are distance learning materials?
Distance learning materials are audio cassettes and CD's and/or video cassettes/DVD's which are used for instruction in distance courses.

How do I get distance learning materials?
Your distance learning materials will be mailed to you automatically by the library after you have paid for your course.

How long may I keep distance learning materials?
Distance learning materials are checked out to you for the duration of your course, and must be returned at the end of your course. If you receive an extension for your course, call the Rio Salado Library at 480-517-8424 or e-mail us to request a renewal.

How do I return my distance learning materials?
You may return your distance learning materials by mail, or when you come in-person to take your final exam. You may also return your distance learning materials at any of the Rio Salado College sites, or in the drop box located in the parking lot at the Rio Salado College Tempe site. For your protection, please obtain a receipt if materials are returned in person, or, if mailed, a delivery confirmation receipt from the Post Office or other package delivery service.

What happens if I do not return my distance learning materials?
If your distance learning materials are not returned, two overdue notices will be mailed. If you do not respond, a bill will be sent for replacement cost of the materials. Also, your name will be placed on a District-wide fee restricted list prohibiting you from registering or receiving a transcript. Bills for non-returned materials may be submitted for collections.

Community Borrowers

Where is the library located, and what are your hours?
Click here for information.

Can a resident of the community obtain a library card?
Yes, residents of the community are eligible to receive a library card from the Rio Salado Library. Community borrowers must be over 18 years of age and not currently attending a Maricopa Community College. You must present a photo ID at the Rio Library Circulation Desk to obtain a library card.

What types of material can a community borrower check out?
Community borrowers may check out a maximum of 3 books for 21 days.

Can a community borrower request materials from other libraries?
Yes, community borrowers may request up to three books through the Maricopa Community College Libraries Online Catalog. Books may be picked up at the Rio Salado Library or at any of the Rio Salado College sites.