COVID-19 Updates
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UW Libraries COVID-19 Updates

UW Bothell and UW Tacoma Libraries may have different reopening plans based on individual campus readiness.
Check campus library websites for the most accurate information.

Status: Updated 5/28/21

  • Individual Study Space @ Research Commons (with new space for audio-interactive sessions!) is available 5 days-a-week during spring and summer quarters.
    • NOTE: This space will close at the end of the day on Friday, August 20 to prepare for fall opening (i.e. reconfiguring space for more collaboration, new guidelines, etc.)
  • All other UW Seattle Libraries spaces will remain closed during spring and summer quarters.
  • Requests for physical items via Summit and ILL Service are scheduled to return on June 21st.

    • When will Libraries open again?

    • Health Sciences Library will open Monday, September 13.
    • Odegaard Undergraduate Library plans to reopen on Monday, September 20, in conjunction with orientation and Dawg Daze events. 
    • All other UW Seattle Libraries, including Special Collections plan to open by the start of fall quarter, dates TBD.
    • The libraries at UW Bothell and Tacoma are developing localized plans in coordination with campus administration.
    • All plans are subject to change pending public health status and unit readiness (staffing, ability to implement health and safety protocols, etc.) 
    • See the Libraries Phased Re-opening Chart

    Why can’t the Libraries open more spaces now?

    • Maintaining HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service is essential for hybrid and remote learning during spring and summer quarters -- opening up spaces with access to physical materials would remove access to over 1 million electronic resources.
    • Libraries user assessment data has shown that the existing Individual Study Space at the Research Commons is adequately meeting the needs for on-site student study space in conjunction with study space in the HUB. This space will remain open as UW continues remote/hybrid learning for summer quarter.
    • Time required to prepare all spaces for a safe and successful re-opening in the fall, in accordance with forthcoming health and safety guidance for higher education and libraries (TBD).
    • The Libraries plan for a gradual transition from a majority remote workforce in spring/summer quarters back to a majority on-site workforce in fall quarter, in accordance with UW telework policy.

    When will users without a Husky Card gain access to Libraries?

    • Curbside Pick-Up: Now. Anyone with borrowing privileges can check-out eligible UW items via the Libraries no-contact pick-up service.
    • Spaces: No sooner than fall quarter.
      • To maximize health and safety inside spaces and to provide students with as much access as possible to support their academic needs, we are prioritizing and limiting usage to UW students, faculty and staff at this time.

    What is available?

    • NO CONTACT PICK-UP SERVICE is available. Anyone with a Husky Card or UW borrowers card can request and pick up items at each campus.
    • Online help:
      • Libraries staff are available 24/7 to help you find available resources, assist with research and answer questions. Just ASK US.
      • Virtual consultations and  "drop-in" help hours are available for writing and research, digital media tools/software, publishing and more. Learn more.
    • Interlibrary Loan: UW Libraries will continue to fill requests for articles and book chapters. Any requests that cannot be filled with electronic resources will be requested from other libraries - this includes scans, but not physical materials at this time. Requests for physical items via Summit and ILL Service are scheduled to return on June 21st.
    • Access to e-resources: UW Libraries provides a wide range of e-resources including temporary access to over 1 million additional electronic books and resources through our HathiTrust partnership.

    Helpful Links:

    Returning and Renewing items:

    • Due dates: Due dates have been extended where possible. Exceptions include Summit, Interlibrary Loan and recalled items. Overdue fines accrued between March 6, 2020 and the day the Libraries re-open will be cancelled. Fines accrued before March 6, 2020 can be paid online. Questions? Email suzzcirc@uw.edu.

    NOTE: Graduating students retain off-campus access to online library collections and databases using Husky OnNet or the off-campus proxy until the second consecutive quarter (excluding Summer) in which you are not enrolled.

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