Enhanced UW Libraries Search: Beta Version Now Available
December 16, 2025
UW Libraries has launched a new, optional beta version of Libraries Search with several new and exciting features that will help users navigate to and discover resources, including the Research Assistant artificial intelligence (AI) feature. Input from this trial period will help to inform and improve the new version of the software for an official launch in fall 2026, barring any significant issues.
Same as the current Search platform, no personal data will be collected on users who choose to try out the beta version, but users will have the option to offer anonymous feedback on their experience through a form on the beta site.
When users select Try the BETA! from the Search box, they will be able to utilize new features such as:
- Natural language search – users can type a narrative-style prompt about the type of material they want to find, including subject, desired format and other details to narrow the search, rather than having to select pre-determined filters
- Research Assistant (AI Tool)- Users can ask research questions, and results provided are based solely on the UW Libraries catalog, eliminating the possibility of AI “hallucinations” based on incorrect combinations of inputs from unreliable external sources
- Resource Recommender – will help identify and link directly to common resources that have historically been very difficult to find and access easily with simple keywords such as “NY Times”
- Person Pages: serves as a central hub for all information related to a specific individual within the library’s search environment including a specific author, historical figures, people in news, etc.
UW Libraries ITDS team has been working collaboratively with the vendor on the new user interface over the past three years, leading focus groups, conducting user experience testing and providing technical guidance on accessibility throughout the process. The new version will also meet all new accessibility requirements and standards for web-based information.
“As the product hasn’t been updated in nearly a decade, this truly is a critical technological upgrade from the existing product,” says Anne Pepitone, Head, Integrated Library Systems. “Once people start using it, the benefits will be clear compared to the current experience, it is just so much more intuitive and user-friendly.”
An FAQ with more detailed information about the beta version, new features, and more is available in the following guides: