While Libraries buildings are CLOSED until further notice, our staff are working remotely to support you. 
UW Libraries Student FAQ for 2020/2021
This FAQ provides answers to common questions about the Libraries to help students navigate remote learning, available resources, and potential changes to operations due to COVID-19. We recognize that lack of access to the Libraries buildings and facilities is a challenge for students, but know that UW Libraries is here to support you with a wide range of services to help you succeed, whether you are on campus or off. See the “Get Help” section below and keep checking our Libraries COVID Update page and social media for the most up-to-date information.
When will the Libraries open and what is available now?
- See the Libraries COVID Update page for the most current information.
- See also our "Get Help" section below.
Where CAN I study on campus?
The HUB: The HUB is open with limited operations as an informal learning space for individual UW community members. Access is limited to UW students, faculty, staff, and non-UW guests with previously scheduled appointments. The HUB is only accessible with a Husky Card during specified hours of operation. Learn more about visiting the HUB
See also UW COVID Autumn Quarter FAQ in the section Career Services, Greek Life and other Student Services.
Computers and Wi-Fi
- Computers and equipment:
- UW Student Technology Loan Program allows currently registered students to borrow laptops, projectors, cameras and more for free.
- Preparing for Online Learning/Options for Students Who Do not Have Technology at Home
- Wi-Fi:
- Eduroam network at UW and other universities/colleges: UW students, faculty, and staff can use Wi-Fi on UW campuses or any campus that uses Eduroam, the preferred secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network. You can log in if you are near UW or any other university/college campus that uses this network.
- Other local options:
- Printing:
- Dawg Prints temporary print stations are available for on-campus use at the following locations:
- The HUB information desk
- 3rd floor of the Publications Service Building
- More info: IT at the UW – Student Quick-Start Guide
Books, Textbooks, E-Resources
- No Contact Pick-Up is available - request items online and pick-up at your designated campus Library.
- Textbooks and Ebooks:
- The UW Libraries buys e-textbooks *if* they are available for academic libraries to purchase. In most cases, commercial textbook publishers will only sell e-textbooks to individuals and will not allow libraries to purchase them. It is unlikely that your course text will be available in an e-book format for us to purchase (as much as we'd like to)! The Libraries is encouraging instructors to consider alternative e-books or Open Educational Resources for autumn quarter courses.
- When you get your reading list for each quarter, do a Course Reserves search to see if an electronic copy of your textbook is already available. If not, contact your instructor and ask them to make a reserve request for class materials. They might also be able to connect you with alternative electronic readings.
- Scanning articles and book chapters:
- Interlibrary Loan continues to request and fill scans of articles and book chapters but cannot fill requests for physical materials at this time.
Returning and Renewing Books, Fines When Buildings Are Closed
- See Libraries Covid Update Page for the most current information.
New students
- Access: New, incoming students can expect to have online access to UW Libraries' resources approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the quarter.
Graduating students
- Access: Graduating students retain off-campus access to online library collections and databases for one quarter after graduation using Husky OnNet or the off-campus proxy. If you do not take classes in the fall, these library privileges will expire during Winter 2021.
- Alumni Association members (and new grads get a special deal) can get a borrower’s card from Library Account Services (bring your UWAA card with you) and also have access to the EBSCO Academic Search Alumni Edition database. Contact Library Account Services for further details.
- Returning Items: some book returns are now open.
Get Help!
- Connect with a Librarian ANYTIME:
- Librarians can help you with your research online! Chat live 24/7 with a librarian: You can email us, or chat with a librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from home.
- Subject Librarians are available for online consultations via phone, email or Zoom.
- Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial -- an online tutorial for all levels of student research expertise. Don’t wait until the end of your UW journey to hone your research skills!
- Writing and Research: Odegaard Writing and Research Center (OWRC) librarians provide guidance with all stages of the research process, including defining a research question, exploring background information, finding research sources, and more. Consultations are in Zoom and must be scheduled in advance.
- Let’s Talk in Odegaard Library is now online! Let’s Talk student counselors hold drop-in hours via video conference. Let’s Talk drop-in visits are free, confidential and there is no appointment necessary
- Digital Media Tools and Resources: Get online/remote help with audio/visual/streaming media tools and software (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) through the Libraries Media Arcade team.