Collections & Access

Provide access to outstanding and authoritative collections and information services that are central to the success of the University research, teaching, learning, and clinical care programs.

Books and ComputerEnsuring that researchers, scholars, and students have access to the collections and information resources they need to be successful is at the very core of the Libraries' mission to connect people with knowledge. We effectively meet the information needs of UW users and stakeholders in the context of changing user needs, emerging formats and access models, and the networked, collaborative environment in which we operate. We save users' time and increase their productivity.

Focus Areas

    • Provide access to world-class collections at the UW
      We work collaboratively to support research, teaching, and learning by providing access to world-class collections. We act as stewards of the scholarly record by developing and preserving our local collection, and provide access to the hidden treasures within it to the University, the region, and the world.
    • Expand and improve access to online resources
      We provide descriptions and tools that expand the ability of users to discover and request materials from sources beyond the UW’s campus collection. We prefer online access when it best meets the needs of users but recognize that the availability of digital content varies across disciplines and geographically, and that there are instances where other formats are more effective..
    • Align collections and access strategies with current and emerging university needs
      We employ a variety of collection and access strategies to meet the information needs of UW users and stakeholders. We optimize the use of our print collection spaces through collaborative arrangements with trusted partners.

    Projects

    What is it?Description Progress as of Fall 2016
    3-Campus Undergraduate E-book Approval Plan The new e-preferred approval plan leverages 3-campus funding to increase access to e-books aimed at an undergraduate level audience. In progress
    Collection assessment program Enhance and strengthen our collection assessment program to ensure that we are providing access to the resources users need in the most cost effective manner. In progress
    Leadership and Service for Ex Libris Alma/Primo SILS Products (Also part of Research & Scholarship, Teaching & Learning, Engagement & Community) Libraries staff regularly serve on consortial, national, and international groups to collaboratively develop and refine the Ex Libris Alma/Primo products to better support patron and user services.  Having a usable, functional, and optimized staff interface - Alma - is vital to providing a quality user experience. Similarly Primo, as a significant entry point to Libraries' services, is critical to meeting the research and scholarship needs of our users. In progress
      Print Serial Deduplication Project

        Develop and implement a plan to withdraw unneeded print serial volumes from UW Seattle Libraries locations under 2 conditions:

        1. We have access to a complete and persistent electronic surrogate, and
        2. We have access to a print copy through one of our trusted consortial partners e.g., the Western Regional Storage Trust (WEST) or the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA).

        Complete.

        • 1,539 titles were withdrawn, yielding over 200 linear feet of space. Of these, 107 volumes were sent to partner WEST libraries to fill in gaps, and 83 volumes were sent to JSTOR to supply missing content.
        • Due to the success of the project, planning for incorporation into normal workflows.