UW Libraries Student FAQ for Fall 2020

Will the Libraries be open in the fall?

• The short answer is: No. The Libraries is in Phase 2, and during Phase 2, no Libraries buildings are open to the public. Together with UW partners, we are assessing how and where some Libraries spaces might be able to open up for individual study in Phase 3. Moving between phases depends on a significant change/shift in the public health situation. When we know more about the timing of Phase 3 and changes to our reopening plans, we will share updates on social media and on our COVID Update page  immediately.
• No-Contact Pick-Up Service is available, and you can now request and pick up items at each campus!
• This chart outlines the types of services planned for each Phase.
• See also Books, Textbooks, E-Resources section below.
• We need your help – students’ commitment and willingness to protect each other as part of the Husky PACK Pledge is essential to the Libraries’ ability to open and maintain study areas.

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:
• low cost internet access for Seattle city residents;
• public drive-in Wi-Fi locations across Washington State;
• other free and low cost Wi-Fi resources compiled by King County Library System.
• Printing:
• Dawg Prints will have a temporary print station available for on-campus use on the 3rd floor of the Publications Service Building.
• More info: IT at the UW – Student Quick-Start Guide

Remote access to Libraries materials - Anytime, Anywhere

This Welcome Video from UW Libraries shows you how to access all of the resources available to you right now,  including online journal articles, databases, and e-books that can accessed from off-campus (and just about anywhere in the world!) including temporary access to over 1 million additional electronic books and resources through our HathiTrust partnership. All you need is an internet connection and your NetID. Read the Husky OnNet or the off-campus proxy FAQ on how to securely connect to UW Libraries resources. 

Returning and Renewing Books, Fines When Buildings Are Closed

• Returns: some book returns are now open.
• Due dates will be extended until re-opening.
• Fines: Overdue fines accrued between March 6, 2020 and whenever the Libraries re-open will be cancelled.
• Renewals: You can also renew your books online, log into Your Library Account -- you will see your active loans displayed on the Loans section. Look for the title you need to renew and click renew. You can also renew all your active loans by selecting Renew All.
• Graduating Students: See section below

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 fall 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 fill requests for articles and book chapters this includes scans, but not physical materials at this time. Since access to the UW Libraries is restricted in Phase 2, any requests that cannot be filled with electronic resources will be requested from other libraries. Some requests may be cancelled if another library is unable to fulfill the request.

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 fall 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 when we re-open (bring your UWAA card with you) and also have access to the EBSCO Academic Search Alumni Edition database.
• 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.
• 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.

See also our Blog from the Libraries' Undergraduate Success Team.