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 7/27/21

  • Individual Study Space @ Research Commons (with space for audio-interactive sessions!) is available 5 days-a-week with reservation during spring and summer quarters.
    • Updated masking policies
    • 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 until September (see below for opening dates).
  • Summit and Interlibrary Loan has resumed filling requests for physical materials, in addition to articles and book chapters.
  • 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. Learn more.

When will Libraries open again?

Note: Plans are subject to change pending unit readiness (staffing, ability to implement any new guidance from State/UW, etc.)

  • Health Sciences Library: Monday, September 13, Hours TBD
  • All other UW Seattle Libraries, September 29: locations, hours, and services TBD. Some Libraries may be operating in a limited capacity to start.
  • UW Bothell and Tacoma Libraries: September 20th, Hours TBD

    Why can’t the Libraries open more spaces now?

    • Read our blog: UW Libraries Reopening Status Update 7/21, in summary:
      • Maintaining HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service is essential for hybrid and remote learning during summer quarter -- opening up spaces with access to physical materials would remove access to over 1 million electronic resources.
      • Staffing and hiring: 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. The Libraries are actively recruiting student employees (a critical part of the Libraries workforce); however staffing back up to pre-covid levels will take time and services may be limited until we can adequately hire for these open positions.
      • Meeting the need during hybrid learning: 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.

    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: Fall quarter for some Libraries.
      • Suzzallo and Allen Libraries will be open to the public starting fall quarter.
      • Some branch libraries and Special Collections may be operating on a limited basis during fall quarter; access, hours, locations and services TBD.
      • Access to Odegaard Undergraduate Library in the fall will require a current, valid UW Husky card for entry.
      • During summer quarter, the only open Libraries space is Individual Study @ Research Commons. 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: Summit and Interlibrary Loan requests for physical materials, including Summit materials are available, in addition to articles and book chapters.
    • 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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