Lectures and Programs
A pioneer in medical and aviation safety, John J. Nance is a decorated U.S. Air Force and commercial pilot, and a founder of the National Patient Safety Foundation. His ideas about leadership, responsibility, transparency and accountability are part of the national conversation on how a team-centered approach can save lives, make patients safer and strengthen the performance of hospitals and clinics. Nance is the author of many books on best practices in human systems. He will discuss his book, "Why Hospitals Should Fly: The Ultimate Flight Plan to Patient Safety and Quality Care," which many see as a guide to the future of patient care.
The lecture celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Community Health Education Center
Each fall, the VCU Friends of the Library stage a multi-day book sale. Proceeds help to fund VCU Libraries' collections, programs and lectures.
The nationally known Cabell First Novelist Award marks its 11th year. Justin Torres, the 2012 recipient, will read from "We the Animals" and discuss the journey of his novel from idea to published book. A book sale, signing and reception will follow.
This event is a partnership with the VCU Department of English, is sponsored by the VCU Friends of the Library and is made possible through the support of the James Branch Cabell Library Associates.
A Panel discussion on the occasion of VCU Libraries' launch of Alma and the impact of emerging library technologies on research libraries, featuring University Librarian John Ulmschneider with guests Mark Triest, president of Ex Libris North America, and Marshall Breeding, distinguished voice in the field of library technology. The event will be followed by a reception and optional breakout session with details on the implementation of Alma at VCU Libraries and a tour of James Branch Cabell Library.
VCU Libraries each year hosts a lecture designed to illuminate the contributions, challenges, andthe past, present and future of African-Americans in U.S. society and culture. This year, Peter Neufeld, co-founder of the Innocence Project, will take the stage with Marvin Anderson, who was exonerated through the use of DNA evidence. Anderson served 15 years in prison; he and Neufeld will explore the relationship between race and conviction. A book sale, signing and reception will follow.
This event is sponsored by the VCU Friends of the Library and is made possible through the support of the Francis M. Foster African-American History Endowment Fund.
In 1800, a literate slave known as Gabriel planned a rebellion that was to involve a march into Richmond, VA. Although the action was suppressed, it confirmed the growing outcry for justice and the volatility of the slave economy. VCU Libraries will host a discussion by two prominent experts on the subject of this landmark in Virginia history: Dr. Michael Nicholls, Professor Emeritus of History at Utah State University and author of "Whispers of Rebellion: Narrating Gabriel’s Conspiracy," and Dr. Philip J. Schwarz, Professor Emeritus of History at VCU and author of "Gabriel's Conspiracy: A Document History." Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A book sale, signing and reception will follow.
This event is in partnership with VCU's Year of Freedom Committee, the VCU Department of History, the VCU Department of African American Studies and the Library of Virginia.
March 26th, April 25th, and May 2nd
Digital pragmata flourish at the nexus of research, teaching and creativity. They are the work of creators, scholars and students in the arts and humanities. They can be textual databases, creative visualizations of information, multimedia explorations, collaboratively annotated maps and a thousand other projects. In three sessions focusing on digital pragmata, we will explore the creation of digital objects near and far. The sessions are designed for faculty and graduate students, though others with a strong interest in the subject matter will be welcome.
The Digital Pragmata initiative is a collaboration among VCU Libraries, the VCU Center for Teaching Excellence and the VCU Office of Research.
Richmond native Carmen Foster will present on an important piece of Richmond's past: the untold story of Hartshorn Memorial College, a private school for African-American women that was founded in 1883 and became part of Virginia Union University in 1932. Foster, a longtime supporter of the VCU Friends of the Library, is a doctoral candidate at the University of Virginia.
This event is in partnership with VCU's Year of Freedom Committee.
As far back as written records can be deciphered, humans have been haunted by the question of life's meaning. We have sought the purpose of existence because we may be the only beings in the world aware of our own presence. Nothing makes sense if there is no intrinsic and authentic purpose to our lives. Everything we do and believe depends on the answer. What does Judaism have to say about this fundamental question?
One of the region's most popular lecturers and authoritative voices, Dr. Jack D. Spiro, returns to the stage to discuss life's most fundamental question. Dr. Spiro holds the Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture at VCU. Doors open at 7 p.m. A reception will follow his presentation.
Charles Vess, recipient of Eisner and World Fantasy Awards and many other accolades, also a VCU alumnus (B.F.A. 1974), will discuss his newest book project, "The Cats of Tanglewood Forest," and his career of visual magic making. Following the event will be a book sale and signing. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Seating will be limited, and registration is required. Parking will be available for a fee in the West Broad Street and West Main Street parking decks. If special accommodations will be needed, or to register offline, please call (804) 828-0593 prior to April 15.
This event is sponsored by the James Branch Cabell Library Associates and the VCU Friends of the Library.
Fall Gallery Shows
Scientific illustrations featuring artists from the VCU School of the Arts' Department of Communication Arts
Reflections by prominent Richmonders on books they read in their youth, on loan from the Friends of the Richmond Public Library
Facsimilies of fossils on view through the VCU School of World Studies anthropology program and the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences
Photographs about service and outreach by health sciences students and faculty
In conjunction with the Victorians Institute annual conference, items about the poet and playwright on loan to the University of Delaware Library