Academic Library Visit
How lucky am I to live here in Norfolk, Virginia and be able to visit the beautiful Perry Library at on the main ODU campus? Honestly, walking up to this grand building stirred a lot of feelings in me I-that library awe that Ettarh (2018) referred to in our first readings for LIBS 608. There is a beauty and quiet stillness in the library, the smell of old books coupled with a desire to know at least a little about what’s in each one, and oooh a coffee shop!
The Perry Library is a well-planned combination of chill, comfortable study space with plenty of room for collaboration. There are multiple meeting rooms and private study rooms, comfortable seating, friendly staff and LOTS of computers for student use-including a whole area dedicated to Macs.
The library’s hours are extremely generous-they’re open 24 hours a day during the Spring and Fall semesters! The library is open to the public though you need to be a student to borrow materials. I was somewhat surprised to find a very large collection of children’s literature. There is also a special collection archive dedicated to preserving historic materials about the University as well as Norfolk and Hampton Roads history.
The building is at once sleek, modern collaboration space and traditional academic library (complete with old book smell) thanks to the recent renovations that built onto the existing structure rather than demolishing the original building. Librarians are readily available both in person or via instant chat and you can make an in-depth research appointment with a librarian dedicated to your specific subject as well. The library is cataloged using the Library of Congress classification system. It boasts a vast collection of scholarly journals, many available both digitally and in print as well as some “easy reading” should you have the time. It is connected to the Student Success Center and, with its ample computers, collection, and 24 hour access, clearly aims to be an integral part of that success.
References:
Ettarh, F. (2018, January 10). Vocational awe and librarianship: The lies we tell ourselves. In the Library with the Lead Pipe. https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2018/vocational-awe/
Rubin, R. E. and Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.
Photos: Tennille Cyphers (2022)
Since it’s summer, did you see many people in the library? What were the staff doing – I wonder what librarians do when the students aren’t around? Does the library have meeting rooms? Do you have to have an ODU to access the computers or Wi-fi?
I noticed that a lot of the academic libraries have a large collection of children’s literature – if I had to guess, I would say it for the education students. They will need to be familiar with that literature when teaching.
I’ve been impressed with the ODU library, though I’ve never been in person. I see from the pictures that it is pretty open and seems to have some natural light. That’s something a lot of university libraries I’ve visited seem to be lacking. I wonder since ODU is the only MLIS program in the state if they offer any special programs for MLIS students or special volunteer opportunities. You know the whole support your own idea.
Just beautiful – I hope to visit it one day. Very modern for sure! Glad we have such an excellent library with helpful staff.
I’m sad I don’t live close enough to access this one in person! The space is beautiful and (24 hours!) accommodating. It makes a lot of sense that it is connected to the student success center. I bet they still see a lot of in-person use, despite the effects of covid.
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I’m glad this space has plenty of room for collaboration, especially since it’s a historic building with additions. I think a lot of older buildings are somewhat constrained in terms of collaborative space by the older architecture, but it seems like they made collaborative space and technology high priorities in the expansion of the building.