Facts & Figures

About our Library

Historical Highlights

1825	First medical books purchased by Thomas Jefferson, housed in Rotunda.
1837-39	Medical books housed in Anatomical Theater
1895	All medical books lost in Rotunda Fire; donations of new books help rebuild collection.
1975	Current library building completed, incorporating Medical Library and Nursing Library
1989	Library card catalog computerized; Library offers miniMEDLINE
1992	Library installs full MEDLINE, subsequently other OVID databases
1992	Library computer classroom dedicated.
1992	Outreach information services begin in southwestern and western Virginia
1996	Next generation library system implemented - SIRSI and Webcat
1996	Library building expansion and renovation funds obtained
1996	Library assumes responsibility for managing the Health System Web site
1997	OVID Web Gateway established
1998	First major acquisition of electronic journals and online textbooks added
1999	Renovation and expansion begins
2002	Library building renovation completed
2003	Completion of the Philip S. Hench Walter Reed Yellow Fever Collection website
2004	Liaison program expanded to include hospital-based departments
2005	Linda Watson leaves and Gretchen Arnold is appointed Interim Director & Assoc. Dean
2005	Class of 1955 generously donates $250,000 to the library
2006	13 group study rooms are carved out of the space formerly occupied by the book collection
2009	All library print materials are moved to compact shelving in the Cabell Room
2009	Reference Desk is retired. Library operates with one service desk.
2010	The library begins lending iPads
2010	Library expands after hours area
2010	Library's Facebook page is launched
2011	First Thursdays in the Library series runs monthly through 2012, then returns in 2014
2012	BioConnector opens on the first floor of the library to promote collaborations
2013	Library partners with Public Health Sciences to create a trial PHS@TheLibrary service
2013	Library purchases a 3D printer
2013	Library opens 6 new study rooms in after-hours space
2014	Library enters the world of digital health and begins lending Fitbits.
2015	Library opens Patient & Family Library in lobby of the University Hospital
2016	Library offers former staff office space to UVA Hospital for use as their Be Safe Situation Room
2017	Library introduces the MILL, a suite of spaces designed to promote innovative thinking and creation
2017	Library serves as a Family Assistance Center to support Health System response to August 12 tragic events
2018	Patient & Family Library closes and space is turned over to Patient & Guest Services
2020	Gretchen Arnold makes the call to close the Library midway through the day on Wednesday, March 18th due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020	Library re-opens to UVA Health badge holders on Monday, May 18th, with reduced seating and services. Service Desk hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
2020	Be Safe Situation Room is turned back over to the Library.
2020	Gretchen Arnold retires, and Bart Ragon is appointed interim director.
2020	Library expands after hours space to include lobby and first floor.
2021	Library re-opens to all patrons on August 2nd. Service Desk hours remain at Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
2022	Due to the omicron variant, UVA Health implements greater visitation restrictions. As a result, the Library restricts access to only UVA Health badge holders on January 3rd.
2022	Library opens back up to the public on March 3rd.
2022	Bart Ragon appointed library director.
2023	Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff occupy former HIT computer room on 2nd floor in August.
2023	Library announces that Embase, Covidence, and VisualDx are being added to the collection.

Quick Facts

8,348	Primary Users Served
24/7	Hours Open per Week to UVA Health Affiliates
45	Hours Open per Week to non-UVA Health Affiliates
5	Personnel - Faculty
21	Total Personnel
112,329	Book and Journal Volumes
3,890	Current Electronic Journals
72,000 sq ft	Space (Gross)

About the Library

Facts & Figures

About our Library

Quick Facts