One of the best ways to get familiar with the LVA web site (http://www.lva.virginia.gov/) is to go to the bottom of the home page and click on "Site Index".  That gives you an alphabetical listing of the sections/pages available.  I have found that browsing the different topics listed gives me a better idea of what information the library has.
 
Also, the librarians are amazingly helpful, but they can give you the best assistance if you have some specific questions to ask (e.g. where might I find a will for Joe Smith who died about 1850 in Goochland County? or  can I find a list of War of 1812 Soldiers from Virginia?)  
 
Land tax records, personal property tax records and chancery files have given me solid gold geneaological information, but you have to have something to start with:  a name, a location, and some kind of a date.  Sometimes I spend a whole morning looking for one piece of information, but if I find it, it's worth it.  I may come with 10 things on my "to do" list and only get to two of them--no one promised me this would be a fast process--it's not like they do it on TV!
 
Also, before  you plan your visit, go to the "site index" mentioned above, click on "H" and then on "Holiday Schedule".  There are some occasions when the library is closed that you might not know about if you are from out of state.
 
You can also sign up for a free monthly newsletter that will keep you informed about events, services and collections.  Go to http://www.lva.virginia.gov/news/newsletter/default.asp  to sign up.
 
Good luck, as you visit one of my very favorite places!
 
JFB

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