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Special Collections & Archives Expansion

The vision for VCU Libraries’ future includes expanding secure storage space for Special Collections and Archives. Special Collections and Archives collects and makes available for study rare or unique items within a scope of collecting that includes book art, comic arts, rare books and periodicals, Richmond history, University Archives and the history of health care in Virginia. 

The Special Collections Department and its two reading rooms are closed due to a major, multi‑year project. This work includes moving archival collections from the Health Sciences Library. Replacing Cabell’s roof and moving collections to open space to build the expanded archival space affect the fourth floor. The department will reopen in 2028 in the expanded and redesigned space and Health Sciences archival materials will move there as well. 

The scale of the project is vast. The management and moving of 5,900 linear feet of rare and unique materials and medical artifacts from the Health Sciences Library to Cabell is the equivalent of managing nearly 20 football fields length of materials.  

Researchers are encouraged to explore VCU Libraries Digital Collections, which digitized versions of some items from the archival collections. The department will open after construction is completed, expected in early 2028. Until that time, no appointments will be accepted. See the Timeline for details. 

The new space on Cabell’s fourth floor will nearly double existing square footage (16,720) to 29,713 square feet. This enhancement will provide improved storage and exhibition spaces, consolidated collections, and new opportunities for acquisitions, research, teaching and engagement. A modern, flexible exhibit space will show dynamic exhibitions of distinctive and unique collections, including its book and comic arts, medical history and Anderson Gallery works. The new space will also include a book arts lab–a vibrant research and creative space for students that supports the history of the book while emphasizing modern, alternative, and independent publishing techniques.

Common Questions  

Why is the closing necessary? The interrelated projects are complex. Special Collections and Archives staff on both campuses are immersed in preparing the collection for transfer to storage by carefully cleaning and packing items. When the expansion on the fourth floor of James Branch Cabell Library is complete, the collections from both campuses will be housed there in state-of-the-art archival storage spaces. Staff will be merged into one location. 

Will the staff respond to reference requests? Special Collections staff will not be available to answer reference questions during the closure. The University Archivist will have limited availability for consultations on a case-by-case basis.  

What if a faculty member wants to use Special Collections materials in their class? The department encourages faculty members to use digital collections. During the closure, the department will not offer instructional sessions or curriculum consultations. After most materials are packed and moved in late 2026, the staff may be able to offer limited consultations for faculty and some off-site teaching sessions. 

What if researchers need information about VCU’s history? Many University Archives holdings can be found online through the digital collections website. 

Research Guides contain useful information for researchers. Please refer to the Primary Source Research Guide for help on how to find and access VCU digital collections. 

Find information about VCU’s history in these research guides:  

What about University Archives?  Almost all materials housed on either campus will be unavailable starting December, 2026.  Some University Archives services regarding mandated state recordkeeping will continue. Questions? Contact University Archivist Ruth Cody.

How do I access materials online? There are several access points. The primary point is VCU Libraries Digital Collections. Notably, all digitized materials on Scholars Compass are text searchable. Additionally, you can find more materials and information on the Digital Collections, Exhibits, and Projects website and additional audio-visual materials on the VCU Libraries Special Collections and Archives Kaltura site. SCA Digital Exhibits can be found on the VCU Libraries Gallery Omeka site.  

Resources to Use