What are the libraries hours?
The Johnston Memorial Library building will open to the VSU Community with extra precautions, reduced staff, and limited hours.
Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed Saturday and Sunday
The Lindsay-Montague Hall building will remain closed. There will be limited access to the Special Collections & Archives materials and collections. Access will be restricted to VSU students, faculty and staff by appointment only on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; and Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Can I mail in the books I still have checked out?
We do accept materials returns via mail. See Returning Items for more information about due dates and for the mailing address.
When can I access library resources that are not available online?
The library stacks are closed. Staff will retrieve requested items. Please see Phase 3 in Reopening the Libraries.
Why isn't the Libraries providing physical reserves?
Due to COVID precautions, physical reserves will be made available digitally.
I have materials on reserve now. What happens with those materials?
You may request scans of any materials, even those on reserve. Contact the Circulation Department at (804.524.5043).
How do I know if my request is copyright compliant?
Scanning entire books that are still in copyright is not copyright compliant. For other copyright questions, you may either submit your request and we will work with you on alternatives if your request isn't copyright compliant.
What happens if I need something the Libraries doesn't own?
We will try to get an electronic version of the material you need. If that isn't possible, we will refer you to ILL for assistance.
I have a link to an eBook. How do I use that in my class?
Add the link to your Blackboard course and instruct your students that they will need to log in with their VSU network login to access it. Some eBooks have limits on how many users may access it simultaneously so encourage your students to log out when they are done reading.
What types of materials may be requested?
Print books and DVDS can be requested. If the item(s) are available we will retrieve them and notify you when they are available for contact-free pickup.
Will you scan personal items I need for my class if I bring them to the library?
For health and safety reasons, we are unable to scan personal items unless you already had them on reserve in the Libraries prior to the pandemic.
How long will it take for you to fill my request?
We expect to take approximately one week to fill requests. However, if we get a higher volume of requests than expected, it may take longer.
How will I receive my scan request?
You will receive an email with a PDF copy of the scanned material.
Are there limits to this service?
In addition to copyright restrictions discussed above, publisher models limit the ability of libraries to purchase eBook versions of many textbooks. In addition, for health and safety reasons, we have limited staff working on campus to fulfill requests. For that reason, we ask you to limit your requests to essential course materials only.