Library resources have the capacity to enlighten and empower, but only for those who have the time, know-how, and ability to use them — making equitable access a complex concept. Financial challenges are another pressing issue for college students and can interfere with their education in myriad ways, such as through food insecurity or concerns over the cost of textbook materials.
In recent years the Library has implemented staff-wide practices to improve access, including the adoption of design principles that place accessibility at the center of user decision-making; taking care to emphasize that Library resources are available fully free of change — something not all incoming students are aware of; and providing broad accessibility training for staff. Other focus areas include:
Sure, you can visit the University of Virginia Library to borrow books (we have more than 5 million of them!), to find a cozy study space, or even to use a 3-D printer, but did you know we offer events ranging from workshops to performances for UVA and the Charlottesville community throughout the year?
Below, check out five upcoming events for those who love music, science, crafting, and gaming. All Library events are free.
The Library Sustainability Working Group created a Sustainability Plan this year to support the University’s goals to “advance sustainability leadership and impact by incorporating environmental, economic, and equity considerations in decision-making” by 2030. Grants and special projects
Guest post by Cecelia Parks, Undergraduate Student Success Librarian.
For Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the Collective Biographies of Women, a digital humanities project led by Alison Booth, Professor of English and Academic Director of the Scholars’ Lab. You can access the Collective Biographies of Women here.
Below, Booth answers questions about this massive project, which serves as a database of historical women as well as an annotated bibliography of more than 1200 books.
Q. How would you describe the Collective Biographies of Women (CBW) project?
We’re pleased to announce that the Women’s Maker Program has accepted its third cohort of Residents.
The Women’s Maker Program supports a makerspace program that’s designed to help increase Residents’ confidence and interest in STEM and makerspace technologies, improve their sense of belonging in the field, and better prepare them for future careers in the STEM workforce.
David R. Whitesell, who retired as curator in UVA’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library in 2022, explains how pioneers of photographic processes in the 19th century changed how books were illustrated.
Pat Oliphant, whose syndicated political cartoons anchored editorial pages in newspapers across the country from 1965 to 2015 – many of which are part of his work archived in the University of Virginia’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library –died Monday at the age of 90.
While Jeffersonian in appearance, the new roofs incorporate modern technology. ... Will Rourk, a technology specialist with the UVA Library, [used] his laser scanner at the roof project to take 3D scans.
The University of Virginia’s Small Special Collections Library is opening its doors for a printing event celebrating America’s 250th birthday, giving attendees their own replica of the original Declaration of Independence.
