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Using the Collections

As the commonwealth's library at the seat of government and the state archives, the Library of Virginia's collections of books, periodicals, government publications, newspapers, architectural drawings and plans, manuscripts, archival records, maps, rare books, prints and photographs, and fine art are unsurpassed in depth and scope. These collections document the history, culture, and people of the commonwealth and are available on paper and microfilm, as well as digitally.

Start your Research!

Guides and Indexes include bibliographies and descriptive research notes to our print, newspaper, manuscript, and archival collections. Created over many years by staff subject experts and continually updated and added to, these valuable research tools are arranged by topic.

Research Databases are external resources to which the Library subscribes. Most provide access to recent and current newspapers, magazines, journals, and the like. Many of these tools, also arranged by topic, are accessible outside the Library with the use of a Library of Virginia or Virginia public library card. When asked for a password, please enter your Library of Virginia card number.

Alphabetical Listing of all of the guides, indexes and research databases.

Library Catalog allows you to search our print, manuscript, and archival collections.

Virginia Memory is the new home of the Library's digital collections.

Additional Resources

What's New in the Collections highlights newly accessioned, recently processed, and notable materials added to the Library's collections.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Find It Virginia offers full text access to a variety of magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, and other reference works. Requires use of a valid library card from a Virginia public library.

Virginia Public Library Directory

Local Historical Societies in Virginia

Virginia Heritage Project database of finding aids to manuscript and archival collections housed at a variety of Virginia institutions.

Professional researchers specializing in Virginia history and use of the Library's collections.

Government Information Online Government Information Online (GIO) - is a free national online information service supported by nearly thirty public, academic, and state libraries throughout the United States. Participating librarians specialize in finding government information sources of all kinds, and will try to answer your questions through chat or email.

Visitors' Guide