UW Libraries Blog

September 9, 2021

September 2021 Update

UW Libraries

Hello, Huskies! 

A message from our new dean, Simon Neame

“September 1st marked my very first day as the Dean of UW Libraries. I am so excited to start this new journey in Seattle, and I am energized by the amazing UW community that has already been so welcoming and supportive. While this year is again different than most, I know that all of the hard work and dedication of the Libraries’ staff throughout the pandemic has prepared us for a safe and successful fall quarter and reopening…” Read full message 

Services Updates

  • Opening dates and fall hours for ALL Libraries are posted online. Before visiting us, please check the Library hours FIRST to plan accordingly.
    • Hours for all Libraries (especially on weekends) will be limited to start and will expand as staffing permits.
  • Know Before You Go: Learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first visit back to the Libraries new services, policies and more.  Remember: Odegaard and Health Sciences Libraries will now require a valid Husky Card for entry.
  • Curbside pick-up will close on 9/17.  Pick-up inside the building will resume on 9/22 when Suzzallo and Allen Libraries open.

Special camera equipment allows for virtual visits to the Special Collections reading room.

Special Collections is launching a virtual reading room! In addition to in-person appointments, Special Collections is launching a virtual reading room starting 9/29 to allow users to view materials live with a Librarian on site using a special camera designed for remote consultations. Learn more/make an appointment.  

 

 

 

  •  Research Commons update: During fall quarter, the Research Commons will remain a space for individual, quiet study with reservations required. Given the abundance of open study space across all Libraries, both in common areas and in dedicated rooms by reservation; and to provide options for those who need and would prefer a more predictable experience regarding distancing and distraction, the Research Commons will remain a space for individual quiet study, with all desks spaced 6 feet apart.  Rooms for interactive online classes/calls will also be available in this space. Thank you to all students who demonstrated excellence in maintaining health and safety standards in the Research Commons over the past year, proving that this model continues to work well in serving student needs for varied types of study space, especially during this unpredictable time.
  • Media Arcade Transition: This drop-in audio/video makerspace within Suzzallo Library is closing as an independent service location, and digital media and related services will be integrated into the Libraries’ Open Scholarship Commons (OSC). OSC services, including media, will remain online-only fall quarter while we start to plan for a new physical OSC space in Suzzallo Library. This transition will bring all support related to digital scholarship and media services in one place, providing for a more connected and accessible experience for our users. Questions about services can be directed to Ask Us or uwlib-scp@uw.edu.
  • Stay informed: In this very fluid and every-changing environment, the best source for Libraries updates is the Libraries COVID-19 update page. 

News and Stories

STUDENTS: Don’t miss What I wish I Knew My First Year: UW Libraries are so much more than study space and books! Students often tell us they wish they had known more about Libraries’ services at the start of their UW journey. You’ll want to be sure to bookmark these helpful tips!

 

Readers Wanted for the October 8th- Community Constitutional Read Aloud!! As part of the Federal requirement to provide educational programming on the US Constitution aligned with the national Constitution Day, the UW Libraries holds an annual Constitution read aloud event. This community-led reading allows us to critically examine the historical and contemporary significance this document holds within our society.  We welcome students, faculty, staff and community members to join us in reading the full text of the Constitution, including some very special guest speakers! Learn More 

Special Collections Annual Report: During Libraries closure, the staff of Special Collections carried on behind the scenes, facilitating classes, collecting, and archiving of new materials, and connecting with the community through digital exhibits and more. Read the report. 

I just want to thank you for all your invaluable assistance in my classes over the past year or so. Even the unfortunately necessary switch to the remote format didn’t stop you! [T]his collection is very special. It needs your passionate and knowledgeable guidance. In every case, whether you need to visit my class or over Zoom, or my students get the chance to visit Special Collections, it is literally impossible for me to teach these classes without your help.

Maya Sonenberg, Prof. English and Creative Writing (see page 13 of UW Libraries Annual Report)

Words Matter: Critical Cataloging and Archival Description at the University of Washington Libraries.  UW Libraries is committed to anti-racist work in sustaining diversity, creating an inclusive experience for our users, and confronting institutional bias and structural racism as demonstrated by our recent work to create change within our cataloging and archival descriptions. Learn more about our work in this area, and please share this blog post with your students and teams.

September Workshops

  •  UW Libraries Dawg Daze Events : Not just for freshman! For many students, fall 2021 will be the first time students visit campus and the Libraries in person. This year’s Dawg Daze events have something for everyone – including dedicated events for transfer students and first-generation students. From Libraries tours, online workshops and more—don’t miss Libraries during Dog Daze! See all Libraries events. 

Featured Resources, Digital Collections, & UW Press 

  • UW Libraries Student FAQ is updated for fall quarter. Check out this “go to” resource to learn about academic resources and collections the Libraries offers, information about accessing the Libraries, and academic and wellness support services offered by campus partners. 
  • New  from UW Press: Marriage and Intimacy in Qing China by Weijing Lu. Although commonly associated with patriarchal oppression, arranged marriages have adapted over the centuries to changing cultural norms and the lived experiences of men and women. Arranged Companions raises provocative questions about the cultural construction of intimacy and the meaning of a “happy marriage.” Learn more.

Save the Date

Juan Alonso-Rodríguez

October 28th- 2021 Artist Images: Juan Alonso-Rodríguez: For the 2021 edition, we’ll talk with artist Juan Alonso-Rodríguez. A Cuban-born, self-taught artist whose transition from music to visual arts coincided with his move to Seattle in 1982, his work has been exhibited throughout the US, Canada and Latin America. This FREE, virtual discussion will explore the artist’s influences past and present, COVID-era impacts and perspective on the future. The discussion will be facilitated by Seattle Arts Commissioner, Vivian Phillips and UW Libraries’ Anne Jenner, with remarks from UW President, Ana Marie Cauce and the new dean of UW Libraries, Simon Neame. This event is made possible through the support of the Anne Gould Hauberg Endowed Library Fund. Learn more.