May 19, 2008 – Beginning Monday, 19 May 2008, the library will split its reference function into two components: Science & Technology; and Business, Humanities & Social Sciences.

The reference desk currently located in the lobby of Newman Library will handle walk-up, telephone, and chat/email questions dealing with general issues, business, humanities, and social sciences. The personnel at this location will also handle questions about the government documents collection. The telephone number is: (540) 231-9232. The lobby reference desk will move to the 2nd floor later in the summer.

A new SciTech reference desk has opened on the 4th floor. The personnel at this location will handle walk-up, telephone, and chat/email questions dealing with general issues, agriculture, engineering, science, and technology. The telephone number is: (540) 231-4122. The reference books pertaining to these areas have been relocated from the 2nd floor Reference Room to a new SciTech reference area on the 4th floor. Similarly, SciTech CD-ROMs (e.g., SAE Papers) and online applications (e.g., SciFinder Scholar) have been moved from the ECS Room nearTorgersen Bridge to an area adjacent to the new SciTech reference desk.