For my special library, I visited the Elise N. Hofheimer Art Library located in the Barry Arts Building on the campus of ODU. https://www.odu.edu/library/art It’s a really small specialized and quirky library. I enjoyed walking through the stacks and checking out the featured displays and student work. Although the library is open to the public, it’s primarily used by art majors and faculty and had study areas for students. The space is very tight, but it’s crammed with everything you ever might need if you are interested in art, including periodicals, huge compilations of photographs (think giant coffee table books), biographies of artists, and information on a multitude of artistic media.
Services & People
During my visit, I chatted with a work-study undergraduate student who interacted with one patron while I was there (the library director was in her office teaching an online class). Apparently, I visited during a quiet time (classes were not in session), but on Mondays and Wednesdays the library sees 50 or more students using the facility. She showed that student how to access the library catalogue and how to copy the material he had selected. There are computers that students and faculty can access using their ODU credentials. The stacks are organized using the Library of Congress classifications and graphics explaining the LCCC are posted throughout the library.
Computer area for catalogue access and printing 
Stack with Library of Congress Classification numbers
Collections
The library had several displays of student work and exhibits, as well as providing information on the various programs, exhibitions, plays, and shows were upcoming on campus and in the city. Most materials, with the exception of reference books were freely circulated.
Impressions
What I really liked about this library were the displays. Not only was student work exhibited, which of course, is important to an artist, but cultural and societal events were reflected. At the time I visited, the library felt like a calming oasis where one could slowly peruse through the stacks and reflect on the impact of the arts on our every day lives.
Study area with textile art display 
Altered books–Metaphors and symbolism
It’s great to have the opportunity to see what one of the libraries looks like on the campus of ODU. I haven’t been able to visit ODU and after reading your review, I would love to visit this special library if I do get the chance. I personally love libraries that have displays where patrons can have a look at them.
Hi Leslie, what a unique space! Something I’m enjoying so much from reading about our team’s library visit is this intimate look into such a wide array of specialty library collections. A remark in your first section on the stacks (“think giant coffee table books”) made me realize is how diverse an art library must necessarily be — not just in its collection, but in the way it displays that collection. I’m sure every library has a few confounding elements (“How and where to sort THIS?”) but that must be especially true for an arts library. What a fun space! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your visit to one of the ODU libraries. I am a distance student so being able to read your visit was nice. The library seems to have unique art collections. Even though the space is small I think it kind of adds to the charm and uniqueness of this library. It seems the library does a good job trying to connect to the students by displaying artwork and having a lot of signage for events.
Leslie, I really liked the post and plan to visit this library when I visit campus. This is really interesting and I am sure helpful for art students. I like that there are exbibits featuring student work. That is interesting that the library director was teaching classes online in addition to being the director. It does seem like they have a lot of information and resources available for student art majors. I watched the video for the library and that shows how “jam packed” it is with print resources, which is a good thing.
Leslie, what a unique library! I love the displays of artwork that is incorporated in the library. I wonder if it is hard to choose what to display with all the different artwork that comes through the library. Maybe there is some type of system or way to choose what gets displayed? Just a thought to ponder. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!