The Reference Services Department is responsible for providing a variety of services to assist users with their research needs. Reference Services supports the mission of Virginia State University by supplying print and electronic access to resources necessary for students, faculty and staff to engage in scholarly pursuits.

The Reference Desk is the first stop for VSU Community users who need assistance in learning what resources are available and how to use them. Reference staff can answer general and specific questions, locate materials, and refer users to print and electronic resources. They help users to identify the most appropriate resources for research, interpret the information in these sources, and locate materials in the Johnston Memorial Library or elsewhere in print or electronic formats. Library users may contact Reference Desk staff through the Ask-A-Librarian,  refdesk@vsu.edu, and by phone at 804-524-5582.

Librarians also provide Library Instruction to groups and individuals. Library instruction sessions for classes, database demonstrations, Training workshops are offered throughout the year by the Library Instruction Coordinator. University faculty may request a training workshop by calling 804-524–5536, or by sending an e-mail message to dlaw@vsu.edu