UW Libraries COVID-19 Updates

STATUS: UW Libraries are in Phase 2. Libraries buildings will remain closed to the public in Phase 2.

• Based on the protocols outlined within University of Washington COVID-19 Safe Start Phases*,  Libraries buildings will remain closed to the public during Phase 2.
• Libraries staff are available 24/7 to help you find resources, assist with research and answer questions. Just ASK US.

Helpful Links:

• UW Libraries Reopening Plans: A Message from the Dean- 7/29
• Student FAQ for Fall
• Faculty Guidance for Fall
• Libraries Phased Reopening Chart - (PDF)

When will curbside pick-up be available to access physical materials?

• Curbside pick-up is a priority for Phase 2, but will not be immediately available until safety and health protocols can be assessed and tested. We will post updates on timing as soon as we know more.  More information.

When will Libraries open again?

• We do not know how the current public health situation will evolve in our community, and a transition from one phase to the next is dependent on significant changes to public health status and the development of new prevention plans at each stage to ensure the health and safety of all.

• Opening Libraries spaces will happen on a very limited scale in Phase 3. We are in the process of identifying potential limited locations for individual study in partnership with UW partners, but those spaces are not confirmed.

• See also "helpful links" above. Libraries will update this page and communicate plans through central communications as soon as new information is available.

Returning and Renewing items:

• Due dates will be extended until re-opening.

• Returning items: some book returns are open.

• Fines: Overdue fines accrued between March 6, 2020 and the day the Libraries re-open will be cancelled. Fines accrued before March 6 can be paid online.

• Renewing books: See instructions on how to renew online.

What is available?

• Physical collections are not available to scan or pick up at this time, including the following: Request an UW item for pick up, Summit, UW Article Scanning Services, Course Instruction Scanning, Physical Course Reserves, Home Delivery, and Department Delivery.

• 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.

• 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.

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 Winter 2021