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UW Libraries Operations Updates

The most current information regarding status and changes to UW Libraries operations and UW guidance and protocols.

Updated 11/18/21

Extended Hours for End of Autumn Quarter and Finals

We are pleased to announce Odegaard Undergraduate Library and Individual Study @ the Research Commons in Allen Library will offer extended hours for UW users for the last week of autumn quarter and the final exam period December 6-17th:

    • Odegaard Undergraduate Library (CURRENT VALID HUSKY CARD REQUIRED)*:
      • Monday, December 6 – Thursday, December 16:
        • Monday-Friday:  8am-12 Midnight
        • Saturday and Sunday: 10am-12 Midnight
      • Friday, December 17: 8am-6pm
    • Individual Study @ Research Commons (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)*:
      • Monday, December 6 – Thursday, December 16:
        • Monday-Thursday – 9am-8pm
        • Friday 9am- 5pm
        • Saturday, December 11:  1pm-5pm
        • Sunday, December 12: 1pm-8pm

*Remember to always check Libraries hours pages to confirm hours before visiting.

Winter Break Hours/Closures

  • All Libraries buildings will be closed during the winter break period of Saturday, December 18, 2021 - Sunday, January 2, 2022.
  • UW Bothell: The Campus Library building will be closed Saturday, December 18, 2021 - Sunday, January 2, 2022; however, checkouts and Reserves drop-off will be available by appointment December 20 - 23 and December 27 - December 30. See UW Bothell Libraries web site for hours.

Closing considerations:

    • Available data from pre-COVID years show that these weeks have consistently been among the lowest use points of the entire calendar year from both building entries and circulations of materials.
    • Existing staff shortages will be compounded by the temporary loss of student assistants who will not be working over the break period and staff vacations over the holiday break.

Alternate access during the winter break:

    • Libraries users will continue to have 24/7 access to many online resources, including our Ask Us Service, our research databases, e-books, and other specialized online collections.
    • On the Seattle campus, the Husky Union Building (HUB) plans to be open Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 5:30pm during this period, for UW affiliates who need on-campus spaces.
    • UW Seattle students who require technology resources over break may make an advance request for loanable equipment via the Student Technology Loan Program -- see quarter breaks. (Both UW Bothell and UW Tacoma maintain their own equipment loan programs.)
    • After Libraries re-open buildings in January, print books and other requested libraries materials will be processed and made available.

Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Libraries expand hours?

    In winter quarter, we plan to expand hours as soon as it is feasible to do so. To what extent this is possible will depend on successful hiring and onboarding of additional permanent staff for nights and weekends, which our teams are diligently working to achieve. We will release more information on planned winter quarter hours by mid-December.

    Why can’t Libraries expand hours now?

    Like many public-facing service organizations, the pandemic caused a monumental reduction to human resources in the Libraries as well as many other units across campus, and while hiring is a critical priority, it will take time to return to pre-pandemic levels. Learn more.

    What’s open and when?

    With the exception of Odegaard Undergraduate Library, most libraries are operating in a limited capacity (Monday-Friday) in autumn quarter, with some expanded hours during the end of autumn quarter and finals week (see “extended hours” notice above).  Please check individual Library hours first before visiting and see also "reminders" below.

Reminders

    • Department Delivery is back! Delivery to campus mailboxes is now available.
    • Special Collections has a virtual reading room!  Learn more.
    • Odegaard and Health Sciences Libraries require a valid Husky Card for entry.
    • Media Arcade (formerly in Allen Library) is closed. Some services are available through the Open Scholarship Commons - Learn More.
    • No eating in the Libraries. Libraries are not designated eating locations at this time. Per UW Environmental Health and Safety, please follow new guidelines for eating in designated spaces on campus. See designated/open locations: https://hfs.uw.edu/Eat
    • Appointments are required for most services: While information desks will be open with staff,  most services inside the libraries including visiting Special Collections, media, and digital scholarship services will require an appointment.
    • Group visits and tours: No group visits, tours, or orientations including K-12 visitors through winter quarter (March 20, 2022).

Access for Graduating Students and Non-UW Affiliates (no current Husky Card)

    • 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.
    • Users with valid UW Libraries borrowing card/privileges: If you do not have a Husky Card, you can still request books from any UW Library with your UW NetID for pick-up at UW Libraries open to the public.

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