The New UW Libraries Search
On Aug 24, 2026, UW Libraries will launch the new Search platform, a permanent replacement of the previous version with an entirely new interface and upgraded features. The system has been available to UW users in beta testing mode since December, 2025, and input from UW users during the trial period helped to inform the design and features of the final product.
The new Search will have several additional, exciting features including:
- Quick Filters Bar/Availability Bar – users can select commonly used resources and availability options to filter by without expanding the full filters menu. The full filters are still available, one click away.
- 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. See an example of Person Page results.
UW Libraries ITSDS team has been working collaboratively with the vendor on the new user interface over the past three years
The team led focus groups, conducted user experience testing and provided 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.”
Common feedback from user testing focused on the ease of use of the new system compared to the previous version, highlighting the cleaner interface design, faster ways to get to commonly used resources, and an overall ease to navigating the website.
Quotes from student, faculty and staff testers:
“The UI & UX design is easy, clear, effective at streamlining my work, and refreshing. I *LOVE* this.”
“Really liked the lack of filters on the left (and ability to see them if I want) in search results. I liked seeing whether something was OA and/or peer reviewed up above the title too–felt easier to see at a glance.”
“The best improvement is the filters at the top of TYPE (print book, article, etc) and ONLINE / HELD BY LIBRARY at the click of a button vs having to go into the filtering”
The public beta phase was crucial in identifying ways to improve the experience even further.
“We couldn’t be more appreciative to the UW community for taking the time to provide us with feedback, that directly led to changes big and small throughout the site,” said Pepitone.
As with any new product introduction, users should plan time to learn the new system and features.
It is recommended that students, faculty and all users explore the new interface as soon as possible to allow adequate time for questions and support before a time-sensitive research need. Several new guides have been developed to help users navigate the changes, and UW Libraries ASK US staff are available to answer questions anytime.
Based on input on the new UW Libraries Search after launch improvements will continue to be made to further enhance the discovery experience ongoing.
Guides on New UW Libraries Search:
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