Some of our print collection dates back to the 1800s. Many CD-ROMs circulate. Most documents from 1990 to the present may be searched in the library s online catalog. Most federal microfiche is located on the 2 nd floor in microforms to facilitate reading and printing. General reference staff assist users at the first floor reference desk by answering ready reference questions, assisting with the online catalog, print indexes, and Internet sites.
Typical questions involve statistical, legislative or judicial information.
Patrons may also make appointments with a documents specialist for in-depth assistance. Documents not available at ODU may be borrowed from neighboring depositories such as the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia. Federal documents cover a variety of subject areas, e.g., chemical contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay, HIV cases and treatment, latest funding for higher education, or international marketing and exporting statistics and strategies. Special documents workshops are held for faculty and students to help users with the online catalog, web sites, and historic print indexes. Library Update is published four times a year by the library for the Old Dominion University community.