Mathematics Research Library

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Guide to the Mathematics Research Library

Library Floorplan | Locating Materials | Shelving Locations | Checking Out Materials | Reserves
Collection Scope | Reference Materials and Databases | Reference Services
General Library Instruction and Training Classes | Other Services | Contact Us

Locating Materials

The UW Libraries Catalog provides access to books, journal titles, and other materials in the University of Washington Libraries. Computers on both floors of Math Research provide access to the catalog, databases, fulltext articles, ebooks, and other services available through the internet.
If book titles are not found in the UW Libraries Catalog, use the Search Summit button to search the Orbis Cascade Alliance library catalogs. UW students, staff, and faculty may request books from these other academic libraries by clicking on the "Request This Item" link.

Use the UW Libraries Catalog to page items from other UW library units to Math Research by using the Request button.


Shelving Locations

Library locations for Math Research include: Math Stacks, Math Folio, Math Reserve, Math Reference, Math Indexes, Math Media, Math Periodicals and Math Storage. Current books are shelved in Math Stacks by Library of Congress call number (e.g., QA300 R82). Books with either Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal Classification call numbers may be in Math Storage.

Items shelved in Math Storage may be requested in person at the circulation desk, by email, phone, or by using the Request button while in the catalog record.

Journals are shelved alphabetically by title keywords on the second level of the library. Most journals are currently available online to UW students, staff, and faculty via the library catalog or Math Research's ejournals page. About half of the journal collection is in Math Storage; check the catalog or consult with library staff if unable to find what is needed. Current paper issues of some journals are arranged by title keywords in the journals display area. Current issues of other titles are shelved with their bound volumes. Printed finding lists of Mathematics Research Library journals are located upstairs.


Checking Out Materials

Anyone may use materials while in the library, but only those with current UW identification may borrow library materials. People not affiliated with the university may be able to obtain a library card; see Services for Visitors for more information. Staff at Math's circulation desk charge out library materials, renew loans, answer basic information questions, search for missing materials and place holds on items that are checked out. One may also renew, place holds on materials, or review your library record on the web at Your Library Account,or by e-mail or phone.

Depending on the user's status, books circulate from four weeks to a year. Math's journals and videos circulate for 1 week. Some books and materials are restricted to use in the library and do not circulate. Materials in Math Storage are retrieved as needed if staffing allows or soon thereafter.


Reserves

The UW Libraries Catalog provides access to reserve materials for current mathematics and statistics classes by course number or by the professor's name. Reserve materials for upper division classes are located on the north side of Math Research's first level. Bring items to the circ desk to check out. Reserve items circulate for either four or 24 hours. Reserve materials for lower division classes are kept at Odegaard Undergraduate Library Reserve.


Collection Scope

The Mathematics Research Library collects pure and applied mathematics materials ranging from algebraic number theory to computational complexity. Also collected are pure and applied statistics materials ranging from probability theory to spatial statistics. Applied mathematics materials may be found in either the Mathematics Research Library or the Engineering Library. Suggestions for purchase can be made in person, by email, or via the Purchase Request form.


Reference Materials and Databases

Print reference books such as dictionaries, mathematical and statistical tables, handbooks, encyclopedias and biographical sources are shelved in Math Reference.

Math and stat databases, as well as some reference books are available electronically from any computer on campus, from any UW IP account, or from any UW proxy authenticated account. All databases for mathematics and statistics are listed on Math's home page. MathSciNet contains Mathematical Reviews from 1940 to the present, Current Index to Statistics Extended Database covers statistics from the 1940's on, and INSPEC covers applied mathematics and statistics from 1896-. Other scientific and general databases such as Web of Science are also available there.


Reference Services

The librarian at Math Research answers questions and provides assistance in the use of the catalog, reference materials, databases and the Internet. She conducts tours and bibliographic instruction sessions upon request.

The primary mission of the University of Washington Libraries is to support the information needs of the university community, which consists of the faculty, staff and students of the University of Washington. UW faculty, staff and students are given priority for library services and collections. Most of the services listed below are available only to this university community. Some services may also exclude those in academic areas supported by the UW Health Sciences Library and the UW Law Library.


Other Services

Wheelchair access is via the main, or northern, entrance to Padelford Hall. Take the elevator to the third floor. The library is directly across from the elevator. Patrons in wheelchairs wishing to access the journals level of the library may ask for assistance at the circulation desk. Library staff can also help patrons retrieve books or use other library tools and resources.

Our photocopier/printer is located on the second level of the library. UW students, faculty, and staff may use their UW ID cards to pay for printing/copying. Others may buy a DawgPrints card ($5.00)from a vending machine in the library.

When Math Research is closed, materials may be returned to the book drop located in the hall outside the front door of the library. Non-reserve books may be returned to any UW library.


Applied Math Dept.| Mathematics Dept.| Statistics Dept.| UW
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MRL Logo, a regular 18-gon with all its diagonals Martha Tucker, Librarian
Mathematics Research Library
Box 354350
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-4350
C-306 Padelford Hall
(206) 543-7296
(206) 543-5222 FAX
mathlib@u.washington.edu

mathlib@u.washington.edu
Last modified: Tuesday March 04, 2008 (MTucker)