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:

• Beta Research Guide (main guide)
• New Features
• Research Assistant (Search AI Tool)

UW Libraries is pleased to announce that Julie Tanaka will be joining the UW Libraries as the new Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections, effective April 1, 2024. In this role, she will be responsible for administration of the Distinctive Collections (DC) portfolio, a team of more than twenty staff consisting of the Special Collections department and the International Studies units. These units include collections and services for book arts and rare books, Pacific Northwest history, historical visual and audiovisual materials, the institutional archives of the University of Washington, the Labor Archives of Washington, UW Ethnomusicology Archives as well as international collections and librarians supporting Near East, Slavic and Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia studies.

“I am delighted that Julie is joining the UW Libraries,” says Simon Neame, Dean of University Libraries. “Julie’s experience as both a faculty member and librarian gives her deep insight into the research process, and her background working both distinctive and global collections will be a true asset to the UW Libraries as we imagine the future of Distinctive Collections.”

Julie has over 20 years experience in academia and the field of librarianship, most recently as the Director of Special Collections and College Archives for Occidental College in Los Angeles, California.

Julie’s academic credentials include a BA in Humanities from San Jose State University, MA in Classics from UC Irvine, PhD in History from UC Berkeley, and a MLIS from the University of Washington.  During her time at UW, Julie worked as a student employee for the Libraries’ Graduate Funding Information Service in the Research Commons.

“I am excited to return to the place where I began my path in academic librarianship, said Tanaka. “I look forward to working with the entire staff in Special Collections and International Studies, supporting their work, advocating for them and leading Distinctive Collections to undertake important work that supports student success, faculty research, and community programming and access to UW’s collections.”

UW Libraries’ Distinctive Collections brings together the Special Collections and International Studies units. With more than 8,000 archival collections and nearly 245,000 print volumes, Special Collections brings together the University of Washington Libraries’ most rare and unique resources. Drawing users from the campus, the community, the region and the state, Special Collections also serves scholars from across the country and around the world. Students, faculty, and visitors are invited to examine manuscripts, printed works, artists’ books, photographs, maps, and other materials on site, and an extensive digital collection available online.

About UW Libraries

The University of Washington Libraries is a network of academic research libraries serving three campuses: Seattle, UW Bothell, and UW Tacoma. Ranked in the top ten of US public research universities, the Libraries is home to the largest collection in the Pacific Northwest and is recognized for its excellent service, innovative programs and award-winning staff. https://www.lib.uw.edu/about