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UW Libraries

Collections

Collection Scope

The Mathematics Research Library collects pure mathematics materials at the research level in virtually every area of mathematics. Our statistics collection supports both the theory and methodology of statistics- such as Bayesian inference, computational finance, environmental statistics, statistical genetics, and time series. Our Applied Mathematics collection supports scientific computing, computational finance, mathematical biology, nonlinear waves, climate modeling, and modern mathematical methods as applied to other disciplines. Applied mathematics materials may be found in both the Mathematics Research Library and the Engineering Library.

The collection is broad and deep, and includes materials from the 19th century up through the most recent eBooks and eJournals.

Reference Materials and Databases

Print reference books such as dictionaries, mathematical and statistical tables, handbooks, encyclopedias and biographical sources are shelved in Math Reference and are usually library use only.

The Mathematics Research Library also has a Galton Board/Quincunx available for 3 day checkouts. If you would like to use it for a statistical demonstration, ask for it at the front desk.

See our research guides to access databases:

Finding/Borrowing Materials

Locations

Use UW Libraries Search to find books, periodicals, audio, video and online materials held by University of Washington Libraries and Summit Libraries.

Math Research’s shelving locations include:

  • Math General Stacks–books on both floors
  • Math Reference–library use only materials near staff area on main floor
  • Math Reserve–course materials available for short loans; on low shelving near the stairs on main floor
  • Math Periodicals–recent issues of paper journals in our upper floor display area
  • Math Storage–stores most of our journal and periodical materials.  You may request at Math Circ Desk or online via the online catalog REQUEST button

Check with library staff about other locations.

Classification System

Books are shelved by call number in the General Stacks (main floor and upstairs) using the Library of Congress (LC) system. For example:

  • LC call number: QA 276 S483 2009

All bound periodicals and journals are shelved in Math Storage. Current  issues of journals still received in paper are shelved on the display shelves upstairs.  However, most journals are available online–both older volumes and current issues.  See our Journal Search.

Course Reserves

Reserve materials for lower division math and stat classes will be found in the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.

Course reserves for upper division and graduate math & stat classes will be found by call number on our Math Reserves shelves on the main level, behind the circulation desk.

  • Textbooks and supplementary materials for math and stat classes, 400 level and above are available for short loan–usually 4 hours for textbooks and 24 hours for supplementary materials.  A number of math and stat Schaum’s Outlines  review books are also on reserve.
  • These materials must be returned to Math Research Library directly to avoid high fines.
  • More Info About Course Reserves