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Library Services

Library Staff

During operating hours the Library is staffed by a professional librarian and/or one of four trained Library Assistants.

John L. Bennett is the Director of the VIU Library. He has a Masters of Library Science (MLS) degree from McGill University, an American Library Association accredited institution. Mr. Bennett has a Librarian’s Professional Certification from the State of Virginia. For over 25 years he worked in the field of management consulting during which time he helped establish several small libraries. Mr. Bennett can be contacted at jbennett@viu.edu or (703) 591-1844 extension 314.

Firuza Mardrakhimova is the Assistant to the Director of the Library. She has a Bachelor of Banking degree and is currently studying for her MBA at VIU. Ms. Mardrakhimova can be contacted at firuza@viu.edu or (703) 591-1844 extension 314.

Organization of Materials in the Library

The materials in the Library are organized using the Dewey Decimal Classification System. The Dewey Decimal Code has ten main categories:

Some Dewey classes of particular interest to VIU students include:

003-006    Computer and Information Science
330           Economics
420           English as a Second Language
650           Management

Using the Library

Bring your VIU Student Identification Card each time you visit the Library. You will be asked to show your ID card when you borrow materials and when you request reference assistance or other library services.

Collection

The library collection includes a general reference section, approximately 60 periodical titles, and materials specific to the academic disciplines within the curriculum – business and computer science – and to the English as a second language (ESL) program. All VIU students may use any material in the Library collection.

Online Resources

VIU subscribes to two online libraries – LIRN and e.brary. Both online libraries give students and faculty access to a wide range of information, reference, and research resources. LIRN, however, focuses on providing access to articles from thousands of periodicals, many of them peer-reviewed journals, while e.brary focuses on providing access to the full-text of current academic books. To access LIRN and e.brary click Online Resources on the Library homepage. For assistance in using LIRN and e.brary, see the Librarian or a Library Assistant or refer to the online resources brochure available in the Library.

In addition to LIRN and e.brary, the VIU Library webpage has links to approximately 160 other websites in the areas of business, computer science, ESL, general reference, biology, comparative religion, English language and literature, history, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. The links provide valuable resources for student study and research

Circulation policy

Reference materials and periodicals must be used in the Library. Books and other materials in the reserve collection (i.e., materials placed on reserve by a faculty member for use in a specific course) must also be used in the Library so that they are available to all students during the reserve period. All other materials in the collection may be checked out for four weeks. An item may be renewed for one additional four week period, but only if that item has not been requested by another student or faculty member. A student may check out a maximum of 10 books at a time. Please note that overdue fines are not being enforced at the present time but will be introduced in the future

Reference Services

The VIU Library staff is available to help students find the information they need for study or research.

Library Services Handbook

Copies of the Library Services Handbook are available upon request in the Library. The Handbook provides additional information on the services offered by VIU Library. It also provides detailed information on how students can access resources at nearby academic and public libraries. A two page summary of the Handbook is also available. Additionally, the Library offers a brochure about the contents and use of VIU’s online resources, including our two online libraries – LIRN and e.brary.

Internet Access

The library has wireless Internet access, so students and faculty can access the Internet from the Library using their own wireless-enabled laptop. Desktop computers with Internet connection are also available for use just outside the Library entrance as well as in the two computer labs in the Pender Drive building. You can contact the Librarian or a member of the IT Department staff for help with technical issues.