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EnglishWhat Special Collections, Digital Projects, and Events Are Available Through Virginia Tech University Libraries?
Updated
Virginia Tech University Libraries (lib.vt.edu) offers more than borrowing and study space. Its Special Collections and University Archives hold historical artifacts and stories tied to the university and the region, the Digital Imaging Lab in Newman Library produces high-quality digital copies of rare and precious materials, and the libraries host public events and publish news about awards, research projects, and initiatives. Use this guide if you want to know what's worth exploring beyond the catalog — whether you're a researcher, a student looking for an interesting talk, or a community member curious about local history.
Special Collections and University Archives
The libraries maintain Special Collections and University Archives as a distinct resource for historical material. One documented example of how these collections get used: Virginia Tech and VMI share a football rivalry dating back to 1894, and as the two schools prepared to meet again to open the 2026 season, University Libraries dug into Special Collections and University Archives to rediscover the artifacts, stories, and traditions behind the historic Military Classic of the South.
That example illustrates what the collections are good for — tracing institutional traditions, events, and people through primary materials rather than secondary summaries. If you have a research question about Virginia Tech history, a regional topic, or a specific person or event, Special Collections is the place to start rather than the general circulating collection.
Digital Projects and the Digital Imaging Lab
The Digital Imaging Lab in Newman Library creates high-quality digital copies of rare and precious materials. This matters for two reasons:
- Access: Digitization lets people use fragile or unique items without handling the originals.
- Preservation: A high-quality digital surrogate reduces wear on the physical object.
The libraries also support digital scholarship more broadly. Documented examples of digital projects and initiatives include:
- A project digitally recreating a buried World War I battlefield — an example of using digital methods to reconstruct a historical site that can no longer be visited in person.
- A new way to explore the brain biology of Prader-Willi syndrome — showing that library digital initiatives extend into research areas beyond history.
- Global Engagement — the libraries state they further the university's dedication to being a global land-grant institution and serving faculty, students, and societies across the globe, and that they support the creation and publication of scholarship that is freely accessible to all, regardless of geographical location.
- Digital Literacy — framed around learning, creating, and collaborating with digital content.
If your interest is in how rare materials get digitized, the Digital Imaging Lab is the specific entry point. If your interest is in open-access publishing or global access to scholarship, the Global Engagement initiative is the relevant one.
Events and Author Visits
The libraries host public programming, including major author events. One documented example: Colson Whitehead, described as one of contemporary literature's most influential voices and a two-time Pulitzer winner, came to Blacksburg for an event hosted in connection with the libraries.
The site maintains an Upcoming Events section with a "SEE ALL EVENTS" link, so the current schedule is the authoritative source for dates, times, and locations. Because events change constantly, check that page rather than relying on any static list.
Latest News: Awards, Projects, and Initiatives
The libraries publish a Latest University Libraries News feed. Documented items include:
| News item | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Graduate student earns national award for community-engaged history work | Student recognition tied to history research |
| Saving stories in stone | A feature story (topic detailed in the article itself) |
| In memoriam: Kimberli Weeks, University Libraries | Remembrance of a libraries staff member |
| A new way to explore the brain biology of Prader-Willi syndrome | Research-related project |
| Project digitally recreates a buried World War I battlefield | Digital reconstruction project |
| Colson Whitehead comes to Blacksburg | Author event |
This feed is the fastest way to see what the libraries are currently working on and what has recently happened.
How to Decide Where to Start
- Interested in Virginia Tech or regional history? Start with Special Collections and University Archives.
- Interested in digitization or rare materials? Look at the Digital Imaging Lab in Newman Library.
- Interested in open access or global scholarship? Look at the Global Engagement initiative.
- Looking for something to attend? Check Upcoming Events.
- Want a quick overview of current activity? Read the Latest University Libraries News feed.
One practical note: the libraries post closure notices on the homepage — for example, a notice that the University Libraries would be closed on Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day. Check the homepage notice before planning a visit around a holiday.