About the Library

Provide access to diverse, high-quality information resources and services advancing the University of Richmond’s academic, research, and creative endeavors. Create welcoming and inspiring physical and virtual spaces that foster learning, collaboration, and creativity. Advance information literacies that develop critical thinking and ethical use of information. Preserve and promote the University of Richmond’s intellectual and cultural heritage.

The University of Richmond Libraries commit to collaboratively cultivating a vibrant and dynamic research and learning ecosystem, empowering and sustaining an inclusive, intercultural, and innovative campus community.

We support open access to information and diverse viewpoints and empower our campus to freely explore intellectual interests, question assumptions, and contribute responsibly to dialogue as part of a rigorous liberal arts education.

We actively cultivate a hub for connection, mutual understanding, and growth across differences where all community members feel a sense of belonging and are treated with empathy, dignity, and respect.

We carefully weigh competing needs to develop balanced policies with integrity. We communicate our principles openly and apply them consistently to build trust, especially when navigating difficult decisions.

We ignite curiosity and champion self-directed learning by providing resources and spaces to foster intellectual vitality and connecting people with ideas, information, and networks.

We integrate sustainable practices across our operations, teaching, and partnerships for a positive, enduring impact on our community and environment.

The Galvin Rare Book Room houses some 15,000 books, broadsides, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, music scores, facsimiles, and photographs. Among the collections are historic works on Richmond and Virginia; women’s domestic literature; historic children’s literature; some 500 Confederate Imprints published between 1861-1865; facsimile volumes of The Books of Kells, the Mazarin edition of The Gutenberg Bible, The Lindesfarne Gospels, Alfonso X’s Cantigas De Santa Maria, and the Sarajevo Haggadah. Archival collections include autographed first editions, letters, photographs, manuscripts, and other memorabilia of Richmonder Mark Lutz and his close friend, Carl Van Vechten, the novelist and renowned New York Times music critic; Congressmen Watkins Abbitt and David Satterfied; and civil rights leader Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker. There are also volumes from the Dunlora Academy and the Virginia Baptist Seminary, the antecedents of the University of Richmond. Print materials can be located through the UR Libraries online catalog, and inventories for archival collections may be searched at archives.richmond.edu. The Galvin Rare book Rom is open to researchers during posted open hours.

The Book Arts Studio, housed on Basement Level 1 (B1) of Boatwright Memorial Library, exists to enrich the creative and scholarly culture at the University of Richmond by promoting the history and art of the book as a mode of communication, expression, and education. While exploring historic and contemporary book structure and craft, the goals of the Book Arts Studio include: creating a hands-on learning space for interdisciplinary projects; developing a program of educational courses, workshops, discussions, presentations, and exhibits; building collaborative partnerships across campus and the community; and highlighting the diverse library resources available for research into the history of the book.

During 2012–2013, Boatwright Memorial Library at the University of Richmond received a generous donation of the equipment and supplies of Shiu-Min Block, a professional bookbinder previously located in Connecticut. In September of 2014, the library added a platen press, several cabinets of type, and letterpress equipment from local printer and print historian, David M. Clinger. These donations became the foundation of the University of Richmond’s growing Book Arts Studio.

The Book Arts Studio has facilitated several drop-in student maker events in the library and has worked with faculty, students, and staff on projects ranging from bound oral histories, linoleum block printing, poster design, introductory bookbinding workshops, and comic making, among others. If you would like to schedule a tour of the studio or have an idea for a class or staff project with a book arts focus, contact Jen Thomas, Book Arts Studio Coordinator, for more information.

Parsons Music Library holds over 17,000 scores, 13,000 CDs, and 9,000 books about all types of music. Our video collection consists of operas, musicals, concerts, instructional programs, and documentaries in both DVD and VHS formats. We also have a variety of audio and video playback equipment for onsite use, as well as five laptop computers that work with our wireless network.

The William Taylor Muse Law Library is a spacious and attractive facility in which to study and conduct legal research. Housed in the Law School building, the library features four levels of space with ample seating on all floors. There are a number of group study rooms available for law student use in the library’s basement. The online public catalog terminals provide accessibility to the collection.