December 2021 Information:
- Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) will be operating by appointment only from Thursday, December 16-Wednesday, December 22. If you wish to visit on those days, please make an appointment through the SCUA Seat Reservation page (instructions are included on the page). We will have limited staff on-site during those days, so we encourage as much lead time as possible, but we will do our best to accommodate appointments on less than 24 hours notice.
- You may continue to contact SCUA via email or telephone (please leave a message for a callback) during this time.
- SCUA will be closed, in accordance with university holiday closures, from Thursday, December 23-Friday, December 31, 2021. We will resume our normal hours on Monday, January 3, 2022. You may continue to request appointments for dates beginning January 3, but it will take us longer than usual to confirm or approve them. We appreciate your patience!
Current Operations Notice:
- Beginning August 9, 2021, Special Collections and University Archives will be open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm
- Appointments will not be required, but strongly encouraged (**see below)
- Appointments can be made by visiting the SCUA Seat Reservation page (instructions are included on the page)
- Virtual reference help remains available at specref@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-6308
- Newman Library hours of operation and those of other University Library branches are also available online
**By making an appointment, you will help us limit the number of researchers using our Reading Room at any one time for health and safety; guarantee you a seat at the requested time; and help us plan for your visit, for example, making sure materials needed are onsite and available.
Research
IAWA collections are used by researchers from around the world, including local contractors and builders, Virginia Tech design students, social historians from across the United States, and architectural historians from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
To begin your research, check out our LibGuide on everything IAWA or browse finding aids at Virginia Heritage. Once you have identified collections and folders of interest, please email us with any further questions!
- Research Guide
- Reference Help
- Instruction
- Outreach
Visit our dedicated IAWA research guide several research guides to identify resources and strategies for using the IAWA for your next course, publication, exhibit, or project.
Special Collections staff are always available to help patrons find resources. In person, simply ask the front desk attendant for help. You may also contact us virtually before or after your visit.
To request reference help, please contact us.
Reproduction & Publication
Special Collections also makes copies of items for people on request. We provide digital copies or photocopies to patrons, and patrons who come into Special Collections may take photos or make photocopies themselves, with a few limitations. We also provide digital copies for publication, when possible.
Read the Reproduction and Publication Policy for more information.
Special Collections offers targeted instructional sessions and long-term course support to Virginia Tech and the broader community of Southwest Virginia.
Contact us or visit the University Libraries' Instruction & Workshops page for more information.
Special Collections maintains an active schedule of in-house exhibits, including regular highlights from the IAWA.
Contact us to discuss exhibit opportunities and follow us on social media to see announcements about upcoming events, exhibits, and activities.
Visit IAWA Online to view our current digital exhibits.