Student FAQs Fall Quarter 2022

Posted on by Erika Bailey

On behalf of the entire UW Tacoma Library staff, welcome to the 2022-2023 academic year! Below are a number of FAQs that we hope will guide you through our services. We appreciate your efforts to keep our community safe by following University protocols.

While optional, the University continues to welcome and encourages mask wearing during the fall quarter. All students and personnel are required to be vaccinated.

Where is the library, and when is it open?

The UW Tacoma Library spans two buildings: the Tioga Library Building (TLB) and the Snoqualmie Building (SNO)!

Fall Quarter 2022 Building Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Fall Closures: November 11 (Veterans’ Day), November 24-25 (Thanksgiving)

What Services are available in the TLB?

  • The Teaching and Learning Center Writing Center
    •  Our TLC Writing Center colleagues are now on TLB2. Head up to the 2nd Floor to learn about their services.
  • UWT Library Research Help
    • Need Research Help? You can drop by TLB 115 (next to the front door) for in-person drop-in consultations Monday, Thursday, and Friday 10 AM – 2 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 AM – 12 PM and 2 PM – 4 PM
    • Students and faculty can schedule an appointment with a librarian. Appointments can be scheduled to meet over Zoom or in person.
    • General research help is available 24/7 through our online chat service. This service is staffed by UW Librarians but at peak service times or off-hours you may be chatting with a librarian from another academic library.
  • UWT Library Services (Book Check Out, Course Reserves)
    • Speak to one of our staff members at the TLB1 Circulation Desk for more information.
  • UWT Library IT Help
  • Veterans’ Services
  • Public Terminals
    • There are terminals available for both members of the public and alumni. TLB1 has 1 public terminal and 1 alumni terminal.

Cozy chair against cement wall with floor to ceiling windows overlooking downtown TacomaFind a cozy spot to study or take a break in the TLB!

What Services are available in SNO?

Shelves of new books organized by cover colorYou can see the New Books display in SNO (see something interesting? Grab it and check it out!)

How can I get access to Library Materials?

The general recommendation for connecting to library resources is to start from links on library webpages and guides.  The links are built so that they automatically trigger UW authentication (logging in with your UW netID), so the various vendor platforms recognize that a user is affiliated with the University of Washington.

  • 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.
  • Start Your Research: There are also lots of databases that provide digital articles, video, and more! Once in the database, use the filters on the left hand side of the screen to focus on ebooks, streaming audio or video, and other online resources.
  • Research Guides: The research guides give you online resources by topic and subject area, as well as librarian tips.
  • Off-Campus Access: If you are starting from the Libraries website, simply click on the resource you want and you should be prompted for your UW NetID when it is needed.

Does the library have my textbook?

Maybe! We try our best to purchase textbooks over $75 or if your professor requests that we put a book on reserve. You can check online if we have it before heading into the library. Remember, when a textbook is on reserve, you can check it out for four hours at a time.

What if I need WiFi?

  • Students, faculty, and staff can use WiFi on UW campus or via any campus that uses Eduroam, a secure, encrypted WiFi network that is the preferred WiFi connection method for UW students, faculty and staff.  If you are near UW or any other university/college campus that uses this network, you should be able to connect.
  • Visitors affiliated with a local governmental organization or a higher education institution can get a temporary UW NetID for WiFi access. Please show your current institutional ID at the circulation desk to receive your login.
  • For all other visitors, WiFi is granted on a case-by-case basis. Please fill out this form. Head of IT will then determine your eligibility.

How do I check out Computers, Calculators, Laptops, and Laptop Stands?

At this time the Library offers laptops and Macbooks loaded with the software that students would normally find on campus computers, as well as graphing and scientific calculators.

The Library also has 2 laptop stands available for checkout.

Renewing and Returning Library Materials

  • Book drops in Tacoma, Bothell and Seattle are now open for returns.
  • Drive up book return accessible from the C-Street turnaround by Gillenwater Plaza (map)

Other Services

  • Accessibility Kits: Accessibility Kits are now available at most UW Libraries, including TLB! Items include:
    • Trackball mice
    • Pocket hearing loops
    • Lapboards
    • High contrast large type keyboards
    • Magnifier bars (Available without checkout)
    • Disposable noise-reduction earplugs (Available without checkout)
  • Interlibrary Loan: Interlibrary Loan is now available for requesting most physical materials.
  • Streaming Video:
    • Students: Please check out the streaming videos we have available!
    • Need a book we don’t yet have? Fill out our request form and we will do our best under the circumstances.

Thank you, everyone. We are all in this together.