COVID-19 Updates
Home / COVID-19 Updates

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.

Coronavirus testing in Odegaard Library: UW students, faculty and staff participants of the Husky Coronavirus Testing Program can get tested on the ground floor of Odegaard Library building near the By George Cafe, by appointment only.

Available services and support are outlined and updated routinely on this page.

STATUS:

LA- additional wording: With the full understanding that any newly-opened space(s) and/or services would still require adherence to all current COVID-19 public health and safety mandates, UW Libraries is proactively identifying these spaces and programs that would provide additional on-site student opportunities
  • Individual study space is available by appointment at the Seattle Research Commons; All other UW Libraries spaces on all campuses are closed at this time.
      • Update 4/28: If the State moves King County back to Phase 2, the Research Commons will still be able to offer study space/hours. See current hours of operation.
  • All UW campuses are in Phase 3 of the State's Healthy Washington Plan.
  • While Libraries may be eligible to expand services in subsequent phases, changes to operations will not take effect immediately upon a transition to each new phase, pending implementation of required health and safety protocols and available staffing.
  • Per current UW telework policy, and State guidelines for Libraries, UW Libraries will continue to operate in a limited capacity with limited on-site staff through spring and summer quarters to optimize health and safety for all employees and users.
  • See the Libraries Phased Re-opening Chart - updated 3/25

    When will Libraries open again?

    • Individual Study Space @ the Research Commons is open in a limited capacity - check this page for current hours and policies- reservations are required.
    • The libraries at UW Bothell and Tacoma are developing localized plans in coordination with campus administration.
    • Odegaard Undergraduate Library is the UW Libraries’ next potential target to reopen with limited spaces, services, and hours to start. Due to the time-intensive  space preparation required to meet COVID safety standards,  we do not expect Odegaard to open earlier than late spring or summer quarter.
    • Suzzallo, Allen, and the 12 branch Libraries on UW Seattle campus are not currently planned for physical reopening during spring and summer quarter.
      • Maintaining HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service is a critical factor in the Libraries’ reopening strategy. At this time, Libraries must prioritize spaces that do not conflict with the HathiTrust partnership that provides access to over 1 million electronic resources critical for current hybrid learning.
      • Our current planning approach prioritizes the safe and successful transition to expanded Libraries access in fall quarter: maximizing in-person study areas, access to physical materials and a return to more routine operations, pending current public health status and state/UW guidelines.
    • Special Collections: TBD

    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.
      • All UW Libraries are operating in a limited capacity with limited staff.   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.
      • After assessing how health and safety protocols are being followed by our campus community in the beginning of fall quarter, we will be able to consider increased access to a larger population of users.

    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 continues 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.

    Helpful Links:

    Returning and Renewing items:

      NOTE: Graduating students retain off-campus access to online library collections and databases using Husky OnNet or the off-campus proxy until library privileges expire during Summer 2021.

        Libraries Status

        All UW Libraries COVID-19 Updates