Image showing library Web page and where to look for COVID-19 updates.
This screen capture of the Library Homepage shows where we'll be posting updates on library operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a rapidly evolving challenge faced by every VDOT employee. We are all seeking ways to adapt in order to do our jobs effectively going forward. Here's what we want you to know about the VDOT Research Library:

  • Library hours have not changed. 
  • All library staff will be online during normal business hours and we are here to help you.
  • Bookmark the Library Web Page as your one-stop-shop for accessing all collections and services.

 

How we help you and what we can do for you are changing in some important ways:

 

1. The Library's physical space (located at VTRC in Charlottesville) is closed until further notice.
In accordance with guidelines from VDOT's COVID-19 Planning Information Page, messaging from Commissioner Brich, the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control we are taking measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19. If you have checked out books, if you have received or need to return Interlibrary Loans, or if you have a question about any library service please see this new ALERTS page for guidance.

Since we have never charged VDOT employees overdue fees and since our top priority is your health and well being please don't worry about "due dates" including any automated e-mail notices you might receive. We don't expect to get all books back on time.  We will be working with partner libraries (those we have loaned to or borrowed from) to convey that message as well so that's one less thing for you to worry about.

 

2. Effective immediately all library functions and services will be delivered online.
Library staff will be "online" teleworking from home offices until further notice, as will most VDOT office employees.  More than 2,000 VDOT employees already have a Virtual Library Card and many more of you are used to routinely accessing the library's full-text subscription databases (eBooks, online articles, electronic standards and videos) "online" from your work computer.  What some folks may not know is this:
 

A Virtual Library Card

...allows you to access any of the library's subscription databases from a home computer just like you have done for years from your VDOT computer while at work.

You do not need to have a VPN connection to access library resources. This is an important point to note due to limited access to VPN and network loads. VDOT IT has advised us all: "If you don't need VPN for something you are working on or working locally on your VDOT laptop, please don't be on VPN."

In fact, all library systems, including databases, are accessible without the need for VPN. All you need is an Internet-connected device and your Virtual Library Card credentials. To request a card go to: https://virginiadot.libwizard.com/f/card  To ask us any question go to: https://virginiadot.libanswers.com/ask

 

3. Our Interlibrary Loans service is temporarily suspended.
If you want to ship any items you have borrowed (from our library collections or from other libraries via Interlibrary Loan) feel free to do so. Someone will receive packages you ship to us and in time we will be able to process them. 

 

Lots of us are feeling overwhelmed with so much changing so quickly. We hope these necessary and temporary library changes take some of the stress off of you and we hope you'll pass on this information to your colleagues at VDOT who may benefit from online access to library collections and services.

 

In the meantime, if you want to contact us with any question...or just to talk, we're here!