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:
- 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.
- All UW campuses are in Phase 3 of the State's Healthy Washington Plan.
- While Libraries may be eligible to expand services in Phase 3 and 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:
- Limited capacity to start – Mondays 1-5, Tuesdays 9-5 and Wednesdays 1-5.
- Learn more about the re-opening and what to expect.
- Reservations are required.
- New policies and user requirements.
- The libraries at UW Bothell and Tacoma are developing localized plans in coordination with campus administration.
- Expanded Hours at the Research Commons: We are assessing how the Individual Study Space @ Research Commons is working to meet student needs during the first weeks of spring quarter. This data will inform our next steps to potentially increase hours, services (i.e. printing/scanning) or additional study spaces.
- 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.
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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. This Welcome Video from UW Libraries shows you how to access all of the resources available to you right now.
- See also Books, Textbooks, E-Resources in the Student FAQ.
- Libraries workshops and events!
Helpful Links:
- Individual Study Space at the Research Commons - Opening Announcement
- Libraries Phased Re-opening Chart- updated 3/25
- Student FAQ 2021- updated for spring quarter
- Faculty Guidance 2021- updated for spring quarter
Returning and Renewing items:
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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.
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Returning items: some book returns are open. Please return items if you are able to so that others can access materials.
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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.
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Renewing books: See instructions on how to renew online.
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
Librarian Chat | ![]() |
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Consultations | ![]() |
No Contact Pick-Up Service | ![]() |
Individual Study Space | ![]() |
Book Returns | ![]() |
Due Dates | ![]() |
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) | ![]() |
Summit Borrowing | ![]() |
Seattle Libraries Buildings | ![]() |