VCU Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives at the James Branch Cabell Library and at the Health Sciences Library will close temporarily June 1, 2026.

During the closure, researchers and the public will have access to VCU Libraries’ growing digital collections. It is expected that access to the physical department and onsite print materials will be unavailable until 2028, when newly constructed expanded space opens on Cabell Library’s fourth floor. Special Collections and Archives employees will be focused on working on targeted projects to meet construction deadlines.

According to Department Head Chrystal Carpenter: “This work represents a major investment in the future of Special Collections and Archives and the communities we serve. As staff capacity shifts, we will adjust our services as best we can to meet the needs of our users. We will share regular updates as construction progresses and as milestones are reached. As services–such as instruction or reference support–return, we will update accordingly.”

This closing is necessary so that staff can inventory and prepare thousands of linear feet of rare, unique and irreplaceable materials ahead of relocation and construction projects. The work includes rehousing, inventorying, packing, barcoding and relocating items across multiple sites, and moving materials now housed at the Health Sciences Library. The Health Sciences Library will be moving to a smaller location in 2026-27.  

This expansion and consolidation will unify special collections and archival materials at Cabell Library. The Cabell Library expansion will result in larger facilities, improved storage and exhibition spaces, consolidated collections and new opportunities for acquisitions, research, teaching and engagement.

What Will Be Unavailable to Users

• Special Collections and Archives reading room appointments and research consultations  at Cabell Library and the Health Sciences Library;
• Access to archival manuscripts, rare books, Book Art, Comic Arts and artifact collections;
• Reference, instruction sessions and tours;
• University Archives-related activities will be limited and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Timeline 

This anticipated timeline supports project milestones required to keep the Special Collections and Archives expansion, renovation and relocation projects on schedule. This schedule is elastic and may change due to construction and other factors.

• June 1, 2026-February 2028: Special Collections and Archives closed.
• June 1, 2026-December 2026: Special Collections and Archives relocation projects.
• December 2026-April 2027: Begin moving Health Sciences special collection and archival materials to offsite vendors for inspection, remediation and storage until expanded space is ready.
• January 2027: Cabell Library expansion construction and roof replacement projects begin.
• Early 2028: Anticipated completion of Special Collections and Archives expansion and integration of health sciences materials.

Why This Closure Is Necessary

The scale and complexity of this project involves:

• Relocation and preparation for temporary storage of more than 8,000 linear feet of collections;
• Consolidation of Health Sciences Library collections into the expanded Cabell Library facility;
• Preservation and remediation of sensitive materials;
• Tight, interdependent construction and moving schedules.
  
  

Active work zones cannot safely support public access. Suspending services will allow this work to be completed responsibly, safely and on schedule.

Looking Ahead: Benefits of the Expansion

When the expanded Special Collections and Archives opens, users can expect:

• Larger, more accessible, and secure collection storage;
• Enhanced exhibition and instructional spaces including a Book Arts Lab;
• Collections and staff consolidated in one location;
• Improved workflows and more sustainable staffing models;
• Stronger capacity for proactive collecting, teaching, research and community engagement.