Working from home? We can help!

Photo of dog staring at computer screen
Photo by Kyle Hanson on Unsplash

Sometimes you still have to get things done, even when you can’t make it in to campus. Fortunately we’ve got you covered! The Library can get you the help you need from anywhere with an internet connection.

Get remote research help

Last minute citation question? Wanting a little bit of help with research? Need to reach us from off campus? There are ways to get research help remotely! You can email us, or chat with a librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the convenience of your home! If you’d rather work with your subject librarian, ask if they are available for consultations via phone, email, or web conference.

Find digital materials

The UW Libraries have loads of digital materials available for you if you can’t make it to campus to pick up physical items. In UW Libraries Search, use the filters on the left hand side of the screen to focus on ebooks, streaming audio or video, and other online resources. There are also lots of databases that provide digital articles, video, and more! You can find them from our Start Your Research page.

A log-in button on a UW Libraries webpage. It reads, "Log in for all services."
Pro tip: Make sure you are logged in to your library account have full access to resources while off campus. Look for this log in button in the upper right-hand corner of your screen!

Renew books online

You can also renew your books online.  The easiest way to do so is to 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. The image below walks you through the process! (Click to enlarge it.)For decoration only. Instructions on how to renew library books.

Getting help from the TLC

UW Tacoma Husly mascot Hendrix working on a laptop
Hendrix works remotely on his laptop

The Teaching and Learning Center also offers E-tutoring Writing Support. With e-tutoring writing support, you can make an appointment to have the writing consultant of your choice review your writing during the time you select, even if you cannot come to the Writing Center on campus. Please note that these appointments book out fast!

Have questions about grammar? Citations? The TLC has many Academic Writing Resources just a click away!

Returning Library materials

Library worker bringing in books from book drop
(Image courtesy Marcia Monroe)

Library book drops can be used to return books and media if you want to make a quick stop. If the Library is closed when you return your items, they will be back-dated when we open again.

Please do not return equipment (laptops, calculators, headphones, etc.) via the book drops. If the library is closed due to unforeseen circumstances when your equipment items are due, please return them to a service desk the next time we are open and we will amend any fines.

Our book drops are located outside both of our SNO and TLB entrances and next to the street in Gillenwater Plaza.

Get started!

Head to the UW Tacoma Library homepage.
A screenshot of the UW Tacoma Library homepage. The "Ask Us!", "Start Your Research," and "Library Account" buttons are highlighted.