As part two of my earlier suggestion and request: the University of Virginia libraries allow citizen taxpayers and non-taxpayers to use the libraries without requiring a user fee. As a tax payer and health care professional it strikes me that free library use for professionals is part of the mission of the University and the Library. To serve my patients more effectively, the resources of the library would be extremely helpful to those of us in practice. Do other higher education libraries require a fee?
From: John
Barbara Wright, Reference Services Librarian, replies...
Your desire to have current information to provide the best care for our wounded veterans, your patients, is commendable, and your desire to access the wealth of VCU Libraries' resources is understandable.
VCU Libraries is indeed fortunate to provide the facilities, resources, and services that advance the health care and outreach missions of Virginia Commonwealth University. While invaluable, VCU Libraries' facilities, resources, and services are restricted by our license agreements to those affiliated with VCU. Individuals who are not affiliated with the University community (guests, visitors, members of the general public) may use the collections and services within the VCU Libraries' facilities.
The support of the VCU Friends of the Library helps build VCU Libraries resources and collections to provide for the ever-expanding needs of VCU's teaching and research missions. VCU Friends of the Library members enjoy the privilege of borrowing resources of VCU Libraries by virtue of their FOL membership.
VCU Libraries provides Interlibrary Loan services through which VCU-owned resources are shared with other libraries. Requests for the Interlibrary Loan of VCU resources must come directly from libraries, not from individuals. The Medical Library of the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center should be able to assist you with Interlibrary Loan services.
