From 1944 to 1976, she headed the library at the University of Virginia School of Law, responsible for its growth, modernization, and prestige.

Unable to find employment as a lawyer during a time when it was difficult for women to do so, she continued working for Doubles after graduation.

She became active in the alumni association to promote fundraising to supplement state appropriations inadequate for collection development.

The Attorney General of Virginia appointed her in 1976 to study the use of computers in legal research for state lawyers and officials.

When University of Virginia President Colgate Darden asked a dean why a particular decision was made, he was told that "Miss Farmer had concluded that that is what should be done.