The Space and Physical Access:
The James Branch Cabell Library is one of the libraries on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus. This library is in Downtown Richmond, right in the middle of campus. While the building is large, it looks inviting not intimidating and the outside reminds me of a museum. Outside there are tables with umbrellas and chairs for people to work at. There is no parking lot, so you have to park in a parking garage or on the street. Bike racks are available outside and public transportation is available in Downtown Richmond.
The thing I loved about this library was the amount of spaces to work. There were small rooms, cubicles, larger tables, booths, comfy chairs, and small desks. There were many rooms to work in and certain floors were meant for silent study and others for group collaboration. Floors 1 and 2 were meant for collaboration while floors 3 and 4 are silent study floors.
The library was welcoming and I felt comfortable being there even though I am not a student. The building has character but is also update with new technology. It is an accessible environment with many different seating options and elevators in the building. The library only serves adults since it is an academic library.
Service and Intellectual Access:
Each floor in the library had printers that students could use. There were signs that advertised a 3D printer on the first floor and a microfilm center on the third floor. Throughout the library there were signs reminding everyone of the noise level on that floor. I also noticed posters around the library that explained to students how to find the books that they need.
The library catalog is available on the library website and there were computers on each floor that were designated for searching the catalog. It looked like some of the organization was based on genre and some was based on the Dewey Decimal system. The library is geared toward supporting the students but the library is open to the public and wifi is available for the public as well.
People:
The library was created for the students on campus and there are flyers around the library advertising the different groups and activities available on campus. Most of the people in the library were quietly working on their own computers. Many of the breakout rooms were occupied by students completing work. There were also students working on the computers provided in the library.
On the first floor was the information desk, where most of the staff was working. The people in the library were racially diverse but most people in the library looked like they were in their 20’s or 30’s. I think that any student would be comfortable completing work or asking for help from the staff.
Digital Access:
The website is https://www.library.vcu.edu/spaces-tech/james-branch-cabell-library/ and it is easy to navigate. At the top of the page the hours of each library is displayed. There are links to research guides. databases, and journal finder. Students are able to type in the search box to find articles, journals, books, or media in the databases. These research tools were not available to the public.
The staff was not listed on the site but there were buttons to email, text, and call the librarians. On the website they had a link to events happening at the library and how to reserve rooms. On the main page it said that there was an assistive technology room that is wheelchair accessible and designed for the visually-impaired.
Collections and Other:
I looked through the different genres in the library, and it looked like most of the genres went with the different programs of study. In the library they had plenty of technology to be used. They had printers, 3D printers, microfilm, and computers. They had rooms designated for either Mac or Windows computers. Many of the breakout spaces had either a TV screen or extra monitor for students to use.
There is signage throughout the building about study tips and the importance of a good night sleep. Throughout the library there was also information about ways to get involved and information about programs of study. I was surprised about the amount of spaces there were to work in. There were many options of places and set ups for completing work. I would like to learn more about about the programs that academic libraries put on for their students. Overall, I enjoyed this library and I was a little jealous of the students who get to use it.
References:
Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (n.d.). James Branch Cabell Library. https://www.library.vcu.edu/spaces-tech/james-branch-cabell-library/
I really like the look of those cubicles. So many seem to be more like a closet with a door. I like the translucent walls. It feels less creepy. It’s also interesting how so many of the academic libraries are going to the system of ‘first floor collaborative, 2nd floor whisper, 3rd floor silent’ system.
This library has a really cool layout! I normally don’t like that kind of lighting, but they really make it work. I’m glad there are lots of study spaces set up. The 3D printer and microfilm scanners are additional nice touches. I’m glad you saw students working in the library even during summertime.
I appreciate the signage that the library uses to aid students. This looks like an inviting place to work and study. Was it very busy while you were there? It’s interesting that they have 3-D printers, I have not noticed those at ODU and want to check that out now. The Joint-Use Library I visited does have 3-D printers, but I believe that that is more a part of the Virginia Beach library side of things than the TCC side.
I’m starting to recognize the patterns in how different libraries are designed. University libraries have more bells and whistles, and I can see that evident in your review of VCU’s library with it’s 3D printers, microfilm, and study spaces with monitors. Thanks for sharing!
I found it interesting that this library had signs posted about the noise level. The librarian at the academic library I visited told me the noise level was not an issue, which was good because I had my young, not so quiet children with me. Maybe it’s different because it was also a library open to the public.
Oh, I remember this library! Spent many many hours of research there (there was no 3-D printer though 🙂 ) Yes, university libraries seem to have a million differently-configured study spaces, which is awesome.