Q. I am a member of the public. What online resources are available to help me with my research?

Because of licensing agreements with the vendors off-grounds access to databases, ebooks, videos, etc. is restricted to current UVA students, faculty and staff members.  In normal circumstances we invite members of the community to come view these materials at the library, either using one of our computers or on your own device.  Since all UVA libraries are closed during the current COVID-19 situation, here are some free alternative research sources that do not require a UVA log-in.

-Internet Archive’s National Emergency Library: These books are open to everyone and they have expanded access during the curent crises – all you have to do is create a free account.  It may not have the most recent publications, but there’s some interesting stuff in there.  https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary

-Open Educational Resources (OER): This guide has links to a wide variety of free academic materials such as free online textbooks, ebooks, etc. https://guides.lib.virginia.edu/oer

-Other Academic Institutions: If you are associated with another university (student, faculty, etc.) you should also contact its library for support.  Our counterparts at the other institution may be able to find access through your institution's database subscriptions, interlibrary loan, or alternative methods. 

-Alumni: The Alumni Association offers access to a small number of databases through the HoosOnline program.  More info here: https://www.library.virginia.edu/services/alumni/

-Local Libraries:You may want to contact your local library.  Many of them have expanded access to their subscription database, and most have reference staff who can help their patrons navigate the resources available to them.  If you are in Charlottesville, Albemarle, or several of the surrounding counties, our local library can be found a https://jmrl.org/

And of course if you need help finding information on a particular topic, we're happy to help you find sources on the web that are not behind pay-walls.  Feel free to chat or e-mail us at library@virginia.edu.