What is the VAL
The Virtual Art Library(VAL) is a virtual consortium of libraries that cooperate with each other. Their common aims are:
- to integrate virtually the collections of the participating libraries
- to create a unified environment for users interested in fields such as architecture, fine and applied arts
- to offer library services to readers with specialized interests
- to co-ordinate specialized acquisition with a particular attention to encyclopedic and periodical literature, in order to improve the access to the collections of the participating libraries
The common feature of participating VAL libraries is an affinity with the content of these collections, closely related to the history of architecture, fine art, arts and crafts, design and photography. Virtual integration of these mutually complementing collections provides the user with a complex information resource related to various fields of arts.
The following services are offered to the VAL users:
- Virtual catalogue integrated to subject gateway ART –allows searching in electronic catalogues of all participating VAL libraries simultaneously. It includes records of specialized documents on architecture, fine and applied art which are included in the collections of participating libraries.
- Journals – accesses lists of all specialized Czech and foreign journals to which the VAL libraries currently subscribe. It is possible to search titles of journals in the list alphabetically.
- Information retrieval service – on demand, the employees of the participating VAL libraries can create a list of retrievals on the topics requested by users. The cost of research and retrieval service depends upon the rules of the individual institution.
- Inter-library loan service – participating VAL libraries offer an inter-library loan service. Conditions depend upon the rules of individual institution.
- Interesting resources – in this section of the VAL web pages, we provide links to useful information resources: catalogues of other libraries, electronic information resources, museums and other institutions specialized in the field of art.
