Library of Virginia<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library of Virginia website is clean and to the point. It is organized and easy to navigate. The website is divided into four sections: For the Public, For Localities and State Agencies, For Libraries and Educators, For Everyone. Various links are provided in each section to meet the needs of users. There is a flowchart of library personnel on the website, but it did not include all staff. You are able to search the staff directory by name. Patrons can contact a librarian by phone or email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Databases, eBooks, newspapers, genealogy records, military records, and works by Virginia born authors only name a few types of collections that are available. The catalog is accessible on the website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Space & Physical Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library of Virginia is located in downtown Richmond. The large building is located on a busy street where construction work was being done on the day of my observation. The library offers limited parking in a small deck. I was lucky enough to get the last spot. If the deck is full, individuals would be required to park on the street. Public transportation is available nearby. The library has a wide set of steps out front with large letters identifying the building. Wifi is accessible from the outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you enter the building you must pass through security. I was carrying a backpack and every pocket was thoroughly checked. I was also required to walk through a metal detector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The foyer is enormous and beautiful. Windows all around allow for a view of the second floor stacks. Conference rooms, a lecture hall, tables, chairs and benches are downstairs. There was an exhibit on historical petitions submitted by Virginians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The second floor houses the circulation desk as well as many rooms for research. The third and fourth floors are off limits to library visitors. Staff can procure items from those floors for clients upon request. Some less frequently used materials are housed at another location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Services & Intellectual Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Each room of the library is labeled to indicate its contents. Local history and genealogy are organized by county. One room houses a large collection of titles by Virginia authors. There is a room designated for archives. Computers were positioned throughout the library for patron access to the catalog. Some materials are still cataloged on handwritten cards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library of Virginia is clearly meant to serve researchers and those with a special interest in Virginia history. As I sat in the foyer taking notes, a man walked in from the street. The front door security personnel informed him that the library was for research purposes only and that the public library was down the street. The man was permitted to enter, however, he was not warmly welcomed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People – Patrons & Staff:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It appeared to me that everyone using the library on the day of my visit was conducting research of some variety. I did not observe anyone in the exhibit downstairs or any casual reading. The clients I saw were all taking notes or using computers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I spoke with a librarian at the circulation desk who was most helpful in answering all of my questions. Several other staff members were present at the circulation desk. I observed staff moving throughout the library with purpose, although I did not see much interaction with library users in areas besides the circulation desk. Most of the staff were \u201cmature\u201d adults. Both men and women were working. Most, but not all, staff were white. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rubin and Rubin (2020, page 161) assert that \u201cthe special librarian is less a selector and organizer of materials in a physical location and more a facilitator and collaborator\u201d. This seems true at the Library of Virginia. I understand that the collection is always being developed. But it does not seem necessary for the librarians to constantly be on the lookout for new and fresh materials to entice patrons in the same way that public and school librarians may need to. It appeared to me that most people using the library had some knowledge of how to use it effectively. However, staff were most definitely available to assist anyone who needed it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collections:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library of Virginia has anything you can think of that pertains to the history and people of Virginia. There is an enormous collection of microfilms. Stacks and stacks of legal documents can be found. There are maps, atlasas, phone books, vital statistics and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to ilovelibraries.org \u201cIn most cases, special library materials are available only to specific users, and borrowing and usage are governed strictly by individual policies.\u201d This is certainly true at the Library of Virginia. There were a few computers near the circulation desk. These can be used for Virginia residents to obtain a library card. Residents of other states will not be issued a library card or be permitted to check out materials. Most materials at the library are not circulated, but remain in house, even for Virginia residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Email can be accessed on the computers. The use of social media on library computers is not permitted. Individuals looking to access social media are encouraged to visit the public library down the street so that the computers at the Library of Virginia can remain available for research purposes. Copiers and book scanners are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library of Virginia is QUIET. It is certainly intended for work. I felt somewhat uncomfortable there. I took a phone call in the foyer and was asked to move to another location, twice, in order to continue talking. I think the library and the library staff definitely serves its purpose for a specific clientele. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the foyer there is a small gift shop with items related to the state of Virginia and items with a literacy theme. It was not so \u201cstiff\u201d in the gift shop and I enjoyed browsing there. The clerk was very friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are looking for a library to casually visit, the Library of Virginia may not be the right choice, especially if you have young children. However, if you have particular questions about anything and everything pertaining to the state of Virginia, this is the place for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I Love Libraries. (n.d.) About America\u2019s libraries. <\/em>http:\/\/www.ilovelibraries.org\/what-libraries-do\/about-americas-libraries#special<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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