All researchers are welcome to use, free of charge, the resources of Swem Library whenever the library is open. Professional librarians are available to offer assistance with the online catalog and with finding resources. Researchers should remember that the librarians are not trained genealogists. Also, during busy times of the school year, librarians are often busy with requests from faculty and students so assistance may be at a minimum level. Researchers are also encouraged to consult their local library or historical society for information and assistance.
Patrons visiting Special Collections should be aware of the policies and procedures governing the use of archival materials. Special Collections is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10:00 – 1:00 on Saturday. During the spring and fall semester, Special Collections also is open until 9:00 pm one night per week. During fall 2007, the late night will be Wednesdays.
Researchers of Virginia government, history, and culture who are unable to visit the Library may request information by mail. Researchers are advised to exhaust all sources at their local library and historical society before consulting the Swem Library. Please note that the staff is unable to undertake genealogical research. Librarians can do quick checks in material in our collection. The same policy will govern email requests. Patrons may contact staff using the following addresses:
To borrow books or for copies from published collections, including books, newspapers and periodicals please place an interlibrary loan request through your local library. Swem Library can not mail library materials to individuals. While the Special Collections staff will answer without charge questions about what collections we have and how to find material, there is a charge of $25 for up to one hour if you ask us to do research in the collections. If extended, in-depth research is required, a list of professional researchers familiar with the printed and manuscript material in our collections will be furnished.
Library telephone reference service (757-221-3067) is limited to quick, ready reference questions. If the query cannot be answered over the phone, patrons may be requested to send a research request through the mail.
Special Collections telephone reference service (757-221-3090) is limited to information about the records in our collections, their arrangement and content, and how to request materials by mail. For example, we will be able to tell you that we have records relating to a specific subject, but not the content of each of the records.
