Collection Types

Our physical collections are available across several locations. For information about JMU Libraries’ online collections, see the Overview of Online Library Resources. Below are definitions or summaries of our physical materials: 

General Collection Items

Books and other materials that you can check out for our standard loan period.

Course Reserves

Materials with shortened check-out periods that can be placed on reserve for courses.

Journals

Journals and magazines are housed in Rose Library or in storage. Our Journals search tool allows you to search for journals, magazines, and newspapers by their title or ISSN. Items in storage are available via library delivery services.

Reference Books

Reference books are provided in Rose Library and the Music Library.

Music Scores

Music scores and collected edition scores of various composers are among the collections housed at the Music Library.

Audio & Video

DVDs are available in Rose Library or storage. CDs are available in the Music Library. LPs are housed in storage. Items in storage are available via library delivery services.

Microforms

We have a variety of journals, magazines, and newspapers in microform formats. These materials are searchable in the Journals search tool. Microforms are located in storage. Items in storage are available via library delivery services. We provide microform readers for viewing, scanning, and printing microforms. 

Juvenile Collection

Children’s books are available in the ETMC in Memorial Hall.

Special Collections

Archives, manuscripts, rare books, and other unique materials are available for use in the Special Collections reading room. Schedule a research appointment using the Special Collections Request System.

Music Special Collections

Music manuscripts, unique recordings, and other rare material are available in Music Library Rare Items and Music Special Collections, both in the Music Building. See Music Library Collections for more information.