Libraries and COVID-19

October 9, 2020

UW Libraries Response to New WA State Guidance for Libraries

The UW Libraries Cabinet has reviewed our current plan for phased re-opening, and have decided to maintain our approach at this time. Based on the protocols outlined within University of Washington COVID-19 Safe Start Phases,  Libraries spaces will remain closed to the public during Phase 2. Per our current plan, limited study spaces will be…

October 7, 2020

UW Libraries Launches No Contact Pick-Up Service 

UW Libraries is pleased to announce the launch of no-contact pick-up service– now available on all three campuses– Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma!  The health and safety of our UW community has been our number one priority in planning for this new service. Anyone with an active UW Libraries borrowers card or current UW student, staff…

September 24, 2020

Welcome, Huskies: A Message from the Dean

Hello Huskies! On behalf of UW Libraries–16 libraries across 3 campuses—a warm welcome to all new and returning students, faculty and staff. The start of the fall quarter always feels like a jumping off point – a time to learn new things, make new connections and refocus. The current remote learning circumstances are creating more…

UW Libraries Curbside Pick-Up Update

The first group of UW Libraries employees entered the Libraries for the first time just over a month ago. They have been working diligently to assess and build systems to allow for expanded services. Earlier this month, book drops were opened.  We understand our users are eager to access physical materials, and the next service we plan to launch is curbside pick-up.  Our team is currently working on testing and final logistics to…

August 12, 2020

Special Collections Library Launches New Digital Exhibit on Protest History in Seattle

For the last few months, I have been working on creating a new digital exhibit: We Are All The Conspiracy: The Day After Protest, Seattle 7, and Community Activism in 1970s Seattle, featuring material about the Seattle Liberation Front (SLF), a political group founded on the University of Washington’s campus in January 1970. Seven members…

August 7, 2020

A Message for Undergrads!

Dear UW Undergraduate Students : We are experiencing the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice and violence together, but in very different ways. We hear your concerns, we stand with you, and we are humbled by your resilience. Although this year is not like any other year, the UW Libraries is here to support…

July 29, 2020

UW Libraries Reopening Plans: A Message from the Dean

To our UW Community, Libraries are essential to research, teaching and learning at UW. We acknowledge how challenging the ambiguity of this time is, and the desire to confirm plans and expectations for Fall quarter and beyond. Our planning teams have been working hard to develop a phased reopening approach, aligned with public health requirements…

Faculty Guidance for Fall Quarter: UPDATE

UPDATED 10/7/2020 This post is intended to help answer the most common questions from faculty and to highlight  available resources to help prepare for Fall quarter. When in doubt, ASK US. Teaching Support:  Besides textbooks/course reserves, the Libraries provides additional teaching support including online DIY modules and videos covering information concepts and assessment you can…

June 19, 2020

When Will Libraries Offer A Book Pick-Up Option?

As the community continues to move toward Phase 2 re-opening efforts, you may start to see some local public libraries offering solutions for curb-side pick-up of books. Many of our users are wondering when this type of service will be available for UW Libraries. While UW Libraries planning teams are actively discussing the implementation of…

June 2, 2020

Preparing for Summer and Fall Quarter: What You Need to Know Now

This post was updated on 7/6/2020 We know our UW community is eager for information to help plan for summer quarter and beyond. The UW Libraries is working in close partnership with University leadership and community partners to assess and plan for return-to-work/return-to-school following the new UW Safe Start protocols. Our decisions will be guided…