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Cabell Library Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Books

Do you have copies of textbooks?

VCU Libraries does not generally collect textbooks, but you can search the VCU Libraries Catalog to see if the item is in our collection.  If your instructor put books or articles on reserve for your class, you can find them by searching the Libraries' Course Reserves. Electronic reserve materials can be viewed online. Print materials are located in Media & Reserve Services on the third floor (map) of Cabell Library.

What if the catalog says a book I want is available on the shelf, but when I go look it isn’t there?

Look for the “Where’s My Book?” tear-off sheets located at the end of many aisles.  These provide information to ensure that you are in the right area, as well as steps for locating missing books.  The book may be in the reshelving area on the third floor (map) if it was recently returned.  If you check the reshelving carts and shelves and still cannot locate the book, you may use the Item Request Form or the Request link from your VCU Libraries Catalog search to ask that library staff conduct a thorough search for book. 

This item says “In Process” or “In Marking.”  What does that mean?

“In Process” and “In Marking” items are newly received and not yet on the shelves.  To request rush processing of an item and have it held for you, you may use the Item Request Form or the Request link from your VCU Libraries Catalog search.  Rush materials are usually available in 2-3 working days.

The book I need is located at Tompkins-McCaw Library.  Where is that?

Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences is located at 509 North 12th Street on the MCV Campus (map).  You can take the VCU Campus Connector to the MCV Campus, or use the Request link from your VCU Libraries Catalog search to ask for a cross campus delivery of the book. 

Can I request books to be pulled from the shelf for me?

Due to staffing and time constraints, we are unable to provide a paging service for materials.  However, you may use the Request link from your VCU Libraries Catalog search for the following services:

  • If an item is currently checked out, you may request that we hold it for you when it is returned.
  • Circulating library materials can be delivered from one VCU Library building to another.
  • If an item is not on the shelf, you may request that library staff conduct a thorough search for the material.
  • Processing can be rushed for items “In Process,” “In Marking,” or “On Order” and a hold will be placed for you.

What is the loan period for books?

The short answer is that undergraduates may borrow books and scores for 28 days, graduate students, honors students, and staff for 120 days, and faculty for 6 months.  For more detailed information on other collections (e.g., DVDs and course reserves) and other borrowing statuses (e.g., Friends of the Library, RALC) please see the VCU Libraries Borrowing Privileges Table.

Is there a fiction section?

VCU Libraries uses the Library of Congress classification system (Class P) to organize works of literature by language, period, format, or related criteria.  While most of our literature will be found on the fourth floor, it may be difficult to browse.  Here are some suggestions for finding a novel:

  • Use the VCU Libraries Catalog to search for a particular title, author, or keyword (i.e., scotland and fiction), or use the fiction link listed under “Location and Format” in the New Titles tab to retrieve a set of new fiction titles.
  • Visit the BOOK reMARKS Blog for VCU Libraries staff recommendations.