James Branch Cabell Library<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cabell Library website is extensive, easy to use, and provides lots of information for library users. Databases and research guides by discipline can be accessed. There are a variety of special collections available including comics, medical artifacts and rare books to name a few. There are links for library catalog, news, events, exhibits and blogs. Library staff are listed on the website along with contact information. Assistance from a librarian is available via the online chat, phone, text and email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This library obviously serves university students and those conducting research. This is evident in the research support and help sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is an online Lost and Found on the website with pictures of items found inside the library. I found this to be helpful and considerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Space & Physical Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n VCU\u2019s Cabell Library is located downtown in Richmond, Virginia. The building is enormous and beautiful. Large letters identify the building. Many of the walls are entirely glass and allow tons of natural light in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside, bicycle racks and public transportation are close by. There was an emergency call station on the sidewalk. The day I visited happened to be during Spring Break. While the campus was obviously not packed, there were still lots of people walking around outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The circulation desk, group study rooms, classrooms, and Starbucks can all be found on the first floor. There was a large display that I found particularly encouraging on the wall. According to the sign posted and https:\/\/youfirst.vcu.edu\/<\/a> \u201c29.3% of VCU\u2019s first-year students are first-generation\u201d college graduates-to-be. As a person who fits precisely into that category, I understand the weight that can come with such a predicament. Cabell Library has words of encouragement posted to help ease those who may be experiencing feelings of nervousness. This picture only shows a small section of the enormous collage. I stood looking at it and reading it for a long time. This display of support must be very comforting for VCU\u2019s students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The library\u2019s second floor boasts tons of spaces for studying and\/or group work. There are many different seating options and room sizes to accommodate users\u2019 needs. The third floor is \u201cquiet\u201d. There is a nice reading porch available for those who would enjoy some fresh air while working. The fourth floor is \u201csilent\u201d. Special Collections are Archives can be found here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The underground level of the library has lots of fun items for users to borrow. Inside The Workshop students can borrow cameras, sewing machines, projectors, microphones, and woodworking tools among other things. There is also a 3D printer, vinyl cutter and embroidery machine available for student use. IT support can also be found on the lowest level of Cabell Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rubin and Rubin (2020, page 158) note that academic libraries of the future may need to consider \u201cde-emphasizing bookshelves and creating collaborative spaces and spaces for library services such as writing labs and makerspaces\u201d. It is obvious that these ideas were taken into consideration when Cabell Library was renovated several years ago. The amount of square footage within the library that has been designated for collaborating and making speaks to the library\u2019s intentions of remaining relevant in today\u2019s society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Services & Intellectual Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I did not observe any special services or programs at the time of my visit. This is likely attributable to the timing of my visit during Spring Break. Signage can be found all over the library to help users find what they may be looking for. All shelves and rooms are labeled. Directories and maps available. There are many computers on each level of the library for patrons to use for catalog access. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People – Patrons & Staff:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While the library was not at all crowded, I did see people working on all levels. Most were working alone. I saw men and women using the library. Most were college age. The individuals I observed were of various races. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A full staff did not appear to be in the library. There was a gentleman working security at the front door. There was a younger man working downstairs in the makerspace but he did not have any clients to work with during the time of my observation. Two women were working the circulation desk and helping patrons who came into the library. They were very friendly and eager to answer any and all questions I had. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collections:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stacks are found on the first, third and fourth floors. Some hard copy journals and magazines were available inside the library in addition to microfilms and DVDs. When I spoke to the librarian at the circulation desk she indicated to me that there is storage off site for some additional items that are rarely used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tons of computers were available for student use. Copiers, printers and scanners could also be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Archives and Special Collections were available by appointment. There is an entire collection of artwork inside the library along with other periodicals and rare books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ohler and Pitts make an interesting point to ponder in their 2021 article regarding post pandemic academic libraries. \u201cAcademic libraries cannot miss this opportunity to finally leave behind the traditional physical repository\u201d. This gave me more than a moment’s pause. I can not imagine a library without books. Ohler and Pitts (2021) do go on to say that \u201cacademic libraries will likely always have physical collections and the workforce necessary to purchase and manage them\u201d. I agree with this statement but find myself wondering if university stacks, like the extensive ones at Cabell Library, will one day be a thing of the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I think Cabell Library at VCU is doing a great job of trying to meet the needs of its users. One set of restrooms was undergoing renovation and earplugs were available at the desk to minimize disruption for those studying. Masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes were all available in vending machines. There was a small food pantry with free items for those in need. Charging stations were scattered throughout the library. A lactation room is provided. Some individuals may be using the library resources virtually. There is even an option to tune in to Library Sounds<\/a> to help set the mood at home! It appears that the library staff are really trying to be supportive of the various types of college students who can be found on the campus of VCU. Meeting all needs is a tough hill to climb, but Cabell Library is giving it an excellent effort! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ohler, L.A. and Pitts, J. From peril to promise: The academic library post-COVID-19. College and Research Libraries News, 82<\/em>(1). https:\/\/crln.acrl.org\/index.php\/crlnews\/article\/view\/24772\/32618<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rubin, R. E. and Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science<\/em> (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virginia Commonwealth University: James Branch Cabell Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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