Subject Librarians

A subject librarian (sometimes called a liaison librarian) is your personal guide to the UW Libraries. They are responsible for purchasing library materials, providing research advice, and instructing UW students in the research tools and methods of each discipline. In other words, your subject librarian can help you find the resources you need for your research.

Subject librarians can be found on research guides discussed above and also via directories arranged by subject/department specialities: Seattle, Tacoma, Bothell, and Health Sciences.

portraits of subject librarians

Madison Sullivan: Art & Drama (UW Seattle), Michael Mungin: Psychology & Sociology (UW Bothell), Erika Bailey: Business, Geospatial Technologies, History & Urban Studies (UW Tacoma), Kian Flynn: Global Studies & Geography (UW Seattle), Hyokyoung Yi: Korean Studies (UW Seattle)

Start getting to know your librarian early on, as they can help you at every step of the way in your research journey. You can make an appointment (many have online calendars so that you can easily book time) to meet over Zoom and eventually, once the campus is fully open, in person. Not sure how to start a conversation with your librarian? It’s ok to not have a question. They are happy to just chat and get to know you and learn about your research interests. Here are some ways subject librarians can help:

Identify databases, journals, and resources relevant to your research
Find helpful search strategies
Brainstorm and developing a topic, thesis, or research question
Evaluate materials for multiplicity of perspective and voice
Refer you to library and campus resources for funding, professional development, and more
Manage your data and citations
Recommend cheap and tasty restaurants near campus

In addition, the UW Libraries offers 24/7 real-time, online help via AskUs (a link to AskUs is available on every UW Libraries webpage). This chat service is fast, easy to use, and can be used to get help with all types of questions.