Loftan Hooker

Loftan Hooker joined VCU Libraries in August 2022 to head a new department. The new Access Services Department, which was formally established upon her arrival, was formed through merger of two existing departments, Information Services and Learning Spaces and Resource Sharing and Delivery. This merger streamlined essential services while providing stronger stewardship of resources.

The new Access Services department impacts thousands of library users every day. The services provided by the department and the employees who deliver them often make the first impression people have of VCU Libraries. Hooker is responsible for all functional areas in the new Access Services Department, including Cabell Library’s frontline services such as the Information Desk, chat, text, and email; circulation of materials; interlibrary loan; paging and document delivery; and the assessment and evolution of Cabell Library’s learning spaces.  

Deeply committed to providing an excellent and inclusive experience for all library users, Hooker brings considerable experience to bear. Hooker came to VCU from Reynolds Community College, where she has served as the Coordinator of Library Services at the Downtown Richmond campus since 2013. In that role, she supervised all aspects of the campus library’s operations, including reference and information, circulation, materials management, interlibrary loan, collection development and budgeting. She was responsible for hiring, supervising and training all librarians and support staff, and participated in the development and implementation of library strategic plans, policies and procedures. Prior to Reynolds, Hooker served as the College Librarian at Rappahannock Community College from 2008-2013. 

She has been active in service to the profession, especially through the Richmond Academic Library Consortium (RALC) and the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA). She serves as vice chair of VIVA’s outreach committee. In that role, she will be responsible for planning VIVA’s Annual Member Meeting at the Virginia Library Association Annual Conference in the fall 2022 and the VIVA Community Forum in the spring 2023.

B.M. Bachelor of Music, Ithaca College
M.L.S  Masters of Library Sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo

B.M. Bachelor of Music, Ithaca College
M.L.S  Masters of Library Sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo