About the Library

Reference: Books in the reference section do not circulate. They are for in-library use only. They are housed in the short shelves in the center of the first floor of the library and are arranged in LC call number order. Inter-shelved reference books circulate unless marked otherwise.

Reserve: Professors can put certain items on reserve for members of their classes. They are kept behind the library desk on shelves. Professors set the terms of reserve. Some materials can be checked out for two-hour in-library use only. Others may only be photocopied, checked out overnight, or checked out for longer periods of time.

Special collection: Special collection books are those that were published prior to 1900 or that are otherwise of special interest. These books are shelved downstairs in the archive room. They may be checked out by faculty, and students may check them out with the permission of one of the librarians.

Named Collections: The organization of the Von Canon Library materials into various named collections helps organize these extensive materials into easily managed and accessible categories. Arranging like formatted materials together also helps assure ease in locating these materials for patrons, and helps speed shelving, inventory, and other maintenance tasks. Collection names may identify the subject grouping, location, or format of a named collection. Named collections within the Von Canon Library include: Archives, Genealogy, Oversize, Institute,  Main Collection, Orson Scott Card, Periodical,  Pop-Fiction, Rare, Ready-Reference, Reference, Annex, Special Collections, and Special Collections-Local, Workroom.

Von Canon Library provides a print station computer on the main floor of the library which is, accessible during all library service hours. Staff members are available to assist users in meeting their information needs with the computers.

Additional MacBooks and Lenovo ThinkPads are available for check-out for in-library use.

The computers in the computer lab are available for patron use when a class is not in session.

The library’s computers, both desktops and laptops,, are university assets and must be used in a responsible, ethical and lawful manner. Library patrons must comply with local, state, and federal laws (including copyright law), with university codes and policies, and with applicable contracts including software licenses. Library users are required to observe the following computer-related guidelines:

1. Respect other users of Library computers and do not harass them or interfere with their work.
2. Use headphones to access audio content.
3. Pay for all prints made on the library copier.
4. Respect the privacy and property of all files on the computer system. Do not alter or erase a file without explicit permission to do so.
5. Do not attempt to bypass computer security facilities, discover passwords, make unauthorized connections or break into or affect the performance of any other computer system on local or world-wide networks.
6. No viewing of, or participating in other activities that are in violation of the Code of Conduct.
7. If you see a patron doing or viewing something inappropriate on library computers, please report it to library staff immediately. If no library staff is available, contact security.

The following additional guidelines must be followed with respect to the computer lab:

1. When a class is in session, the computer lab is only available to members of that class.
2. When a class is not in session, the lab is a quiet study area; please keep noise to a minimum. 
3. No food or drink is allowed in the lab.
4. Individuals will be held responsible for any damage to lab furniture or equipment.
5. Individuals who do not abide by these conditions will lose the privilege of lab access.

There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the library and network internet access from library computers.

Students and faculty may print 50 pages in black ink and 25 pages in color ink for free, but will be charged for printing additional pages. Patrons must pay for all printed pages at the front desk using cash or card.

The library printer accepts jobs from the library print-station printer/copier and from the computer lab. All patrons are free to use these computers. The library printer will print directly from student iPads or phones when connected to the student wifi.

For printing support, please see the IT Help Desk.

All books and materials are due at the end of each semester. The librarians may grant exceptions as needed.

Faculty and staff may check out books for a period of 120 days. If a hold and recall is placed on the book by another Southern Virginia patron, the faculty member is guaranteed the item for the original checkout period. After the original checkout period, faculty will be asked to return the item. Periodicals may be checked out for class needs on a per-day basis. Faculty members are expected to return all materials at least once a year.

Faculty and staff also enjoy borrowing privileges of MacBooks and Lenovo ThinkPads. Faculty members may check out library laptops for use within the library building. Laptops may be used for the duration of the faculty member’s visit and do not have a fixed loan period while the user remains in the library.

If materials are lost, severely damaged, or destroyed, the patron will generally be charged a $25 replacement fee. Some exceptions apply. Please see a library staff member for more information.

If books are not returned or fines and book charges are not paid according to policy, Von Canon library administration may contact the Financial Services office and have any fees charged to the student’s account. The Von Canon library administration may also contact the Registrar’s office to place a library hold on a patron’s school records. This hold blocks the student from certain university privileges subject to the Registrar’s discretion. Other actions and restrictions may apply if the problem is not resolved. This policy extends to fines imposed by Washington and Lee, Virginia Military Institute, and the Rockbridge Public Library system (the libraries with which we have reciprocal borrowing agreements) as well as for any library material retrieved through ILL (Inter-Library Loan).