About Us
Reference Services
Direct Email: govpub@u.washington.edu
General and specialized assistance with the use of published government information and data, printed and electronic finding aids, and other resources unique to government publications is available.
The reference collection includes the U.S. Census; a large number of international statistical publications; and the laws of the United States, Washington, and the City of Seattle. Major indexes and printed finding aids are also located in the reference area.
Significant electronic reference sources, which are UW Restricted include: For U.S. Government publications Social Explorer ; ProQuest Congressional ; ProQuest Statistical Insight ; For International Inter-Governmental Organization publications AccessUN ; UNdata ; OECD iLibrary.
Collection Scope
The University of Washington Libraries is a depository for publications from the United States federal government, Canada, the United Nations, the European Union and the State of Washington. Documents from Seattle, King County, Northwest regional councils, and other international intergovernmental organizations are also acquired.
The largest part of the collection consists of U.S. government publications dating from the 19th century to the present. Legislative, administrative and statistical reports are collected for the United States.
Locating Materials
The Libraries Online Catalog provides location and holdings information for Washington state and local materials, recent United States federal publications, and selected international titles. Inquire at the Government Publications reference desk for information on items not found in the online catalog. Staff will assist in locating government material.
Checking Out Materials
All materials in Government Publications are available for on-site use by the academic community and the general public. You must have current University of Washington identification or other authorized identification to borrow materials. Library Account Services in Suzzallo can provide information on borrowing for persons not affiliated with the university or see Services for Visitors and Services for K-12
Sources in the Community
The Washington State Library in Olympia is the regional United States government depository and the primary depository for Washington state publications.
The Seattle Public Library has a large collection of city, state, and federal documents.
The National Archives and Records Administration Regional Federal Archives is located at 6125 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle.
The Seattle Public Library and the Regional Federal Archives are main sources of information for genealogical research. The University of Washington Libraries does not collect the historical census records used to trace individual family histories.
Assistance for Disabled Users
The entrances to the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries are wheelchair accessible. More info on services for disabled users.
