We are pleased to share the news that UW Libraries’ Ethnomusicology Archives Curator, John Vallier, has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Librarian Award, in conjunction with the annual UW Awards of Excellence, celebrating outstanding faculty, staff, students and alumni whose achievements support the University’s mission.
John was nominated for the Distinguished Librarian Award for his significant contributions to the UW Ethnomusicology program and beyond. Since assuming the role of curator for the Ethnomusicology Archives in 2017, John’s work has been centered around outreach to constituents beyond the UW Libraries, whether it is working to help preserve Indigenous language recordings, or archiving local music.
In addition to his work archiving unique language and music recordings for the Ethnomusicology Archives, he has taught in a variety of departments, including Comparative History of Ideas (CHID), Honors, Cinema and Media Studies, Museology, and Music.
John’s integrity, commitment to teaching and expertise in the field were common themes among the nominating letters submitted on his behalf:
“His work in the UW Libraries is profoundly creative, represents impressive leadership, is aimed at an intersection of service and scholarship, and deeply demonstrates UW values of integrity, diversity, excellence, collaboration, innovation, and respect.”
“Through his writing, teaching, and archives-related practice, Vallier has advanced efforts to embed ethics of community-engagement, ethical curation, and repatriation in the library and archives profession.”
On June 11, UW colleagues are invited to the Awards of Excellence ceremonyin Meany Hall at 3:30 p.m. . The program includes a one-hour ceremony hosted by President Jones and Provost Serio, followed by a reception.
As you feel that temperature ticking up, the clock is ticking down toward the final week of spring quarter, and for graduating seniors, the last of your UW academic experience (please read our “Know Before You Go” post)?! Speaking of the student experience, the student success stories featured this month celebrate the amazing contributions of our student employees whose work at the Libraries, on campus and in our community is truly inspiring. Be sure check out drop-in help for digital projects, the 10th annual GIS Symposium, and free workshops like Leveraging Author Profiles & Altmetrics, Humanities Network Analysis. ALL researchers will want to know about the BTAA Open Access Publishing Agreement with Wiley, as well as new/updated LibGuides dedicated to evolving federally-funded research requirements. Need to cool off? Venture down to UW Libraries Special Collections (in the basement) for one of three fascinating curator-led exhibit talks. Enjoy the sun, Huskies!
News and Stories
2026-2027 Open Access Publishing Agreement with Wiley
The new agreement with Wiley allows UW authors to publish open access (OA) without individual article fees or publication charges during a specified time period. See important deadlines for article submission and acceptance in 2026-2027 in the the public announcement.
For Graduates
Know Before You Go: A message for graduating students – learn how to maintain access to UW Libraries, Alumni benefits, and what to do if you accidentally took that book home to a place far, far away from here.
2026 Distinguished Librarian Award
UW Libraries’ Ethnomusicology Archives Curator, John Vallier, has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Librarian Award, in conjunction with the annual UW Awards of Excellence, celebrating outstanding faculty, staff, students and alumni whose achievements support the University’s mission. Learn more about John’s work and achievements.
Celebrating Student Achievement
UW Libraries Celebrates Husky 100 Student Employees Established in 2015, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional students each year from all three UW campuses who are making the most of their time at the UW. Congratulations to Leo Freedman and Junseo Park, two UW Libraries employees and soon-to-be ‘26 graduates who were part of this distinguished cohort honored this year.
2026 UW Libraries Scholarship Recipients As one of the largest employers of student workers on campus, our student employees are essential to Libraries’ operations – while they literally keep the doors open, lights on and books on shelves, they are also peer mentors, writers, designers, engineers, technicians and instructors! UW Libraries’ student employees are truly amazing, and this year’s scholarship class exemplifies the dedication, creativity and joy that our students bring to their jobs every day.
“The job has shaped my confidence, not only in a professional sense but has helped me bloom into an independent, excited, and curious individual. As I move closer to my graduation in spring 2026, I know that the community I have been a part of in the Libraries will help me succeed.”– Cole
Detail from an illustration in one of the 19th-century Shakespeare volumes.
What makes a three-volume, nineteenth-century Shakespeare set unique from other, similar collections? UW Libraries and UW School of Drama consider the possibilities of a recent gift to the Libraries.
Haiku Has a Moment at UW Bothell and Cascadia College Library
Haiku writing area and student poems posted at the at UW Bothell and Cascadia College Library
Last month, in celebration of National Poetry Month, students had the opportunity to attend a Spring haiku workshop with NW poet and instructor, Michael Dylan Welch to learn about the art of writing Haiku poems with the option to perform them in an “open mic” format. The workshop was so popular, the Library staff decided to keep a “classic” typewriter out for students to continue writing and posting their Haikus “IRL”, as they say.
From Math to Classics to History to Library and Information Science, from professor to librarian to curator to administrator – working in locations across the country, Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections, Julie Tanaka’ career journey has been full of learning and discoveries along the way.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rewriting many professions, including libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs). Students looking to study or enter into these fields are now faced with an unprecedented technological juggernaut, raising concerns, skepticism, and excitement. During a recent pane, experts Ben Lee, and UW Libraries’ Richard Lewis, and Crystal Yragui explored this topic, introducing students to a range of perspectives, both practical and critical, on how AI is being implemented in LAMs and what to expect and plan for when pursuing LAM careers. The event was a collaboration between CALMA, the UW Textual Studies Program, UW Libraries, and co-organized by Geoffrey Turnovsky, Julie Tanaka, and Lane Eagles.
Public Access Policies for Federally Funded Research
Following recent federal requirements that researchers provide public access to research products, the Office of Research and the UW Libraries partnered to provide a set of ‘go-to’ resources to support researchers’ compliance with the new policies including specific guidance on National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) policies.
Friday, May 15 – Humanities Network Analysis This workshop will explore foundational techniques in humanities network analysis: the study of links and connections between people, books, events, artworks, and more. You’ll learn how to…Collect, maintain and analyze network data; create network visualizations and more!
Wednesday, May 27- SPECIAL EVENT: UW Libraries GIS SymposiumThe GIS Symposium highlights and celebrates the transformational role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data visualization technologies at the UW and beyond. Connect with others working on GIS research, learn about GIS projects going on around campus and GIS-related resources available to the UW community.
Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026-Digital Scholarship Project Help Office HoursGet help with your digital projects! Examples include support for digital publishing, building digital exhibits, and more! We can help you find the right tools, resources and instruction whether you’re just getting started, or are working on an on-going project. Available only to current UW faculty, students, and staff.
Community Events
Wednesday, May 6, 12:30 – 1:30pm First Wednesday Concert; Allen Library (ALB) Students of the UW School of Music perform in this lunchtime concert series co-hosted by UW Music and UW Libraries.
Thursday, May 14, 4pm – 5:30pm – OPENING DAY: The Deep Time of Korean Literature Korean literature has evolved over five thousand years, shaped by nature, history, and everyday life. Sensibilities rooted in wind, water, and the cycle of life and death continue to resonate in stories today. This exhibition traces that enduring flow—from Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) and traditional beliefs to contemporary culture—showing how the past lives on in modern Korean literature. These layered histories form a living tradition that continues to grow and speak to the present. Exhibit runs through July 26, 2026.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 10 – 11 a.m. EXHIBIT TALK: Out of Scope: Digital Collections in Special Collections Join Digital Collections Curator, Ann Lally, who will discuss some of the digital collections in Special Collections and what is required to make them accessible into the future.
SAVE THE DATE for future curator talks in the series:
Created by staff members of the UW Libraries, this image-rich exhibit features beautiful photos of natural places on the UW campus, the greater Seattle area, and beyond. Through May 15, 2026, Allen Library North Lobby
Learn how archivists define the scope of their collections, and see some of the fascinating, unexpected artifacts have made their way into Special Collections! Read more about the exhibit and check the calendar for curator talks and tours. Through Sep 18, 2026 Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)
Join us for a fascinating presentation on Seattle history by two authors who bring the past alive. In their new book Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal: A History and Guide, David B. Williams and Jennifer Ott chart the vision that drove the canal’s creation and the dramatic changes it brought to the city’s economy, neighborhoods, and natural environment. Along the way, they highlight the political struggles, industrial ambitions, and ecological consequences that shaped one of Seattle’s defining projects.
Congratulations! As you get ready to celebrate this monumental achievement through UW Commencement, we know you are busy, so we’ll make this short — as UW alumni, know what benefits and opportunities are available to you after graduation:
Return Library Materials
Don’t forget to return all of your Library materials before you leave campus! If you missed something, learn how to return materials via mail.
Keep access to UW Libraries:
Your account/ability to borrow physical materials stays active until two weeks into the second quarter in which you are not enrolled.
Off-campus access expires during the second consecutive quarter (excluding Summer) in which they are not enrolled.
Membership has its privileges: UW Alumni Association
You can get a free one-year membership to the UW Alumni Associationthat includes (among other benefits) UW Libraries borrowing privileges, plus access to EBSCO Alumni Edition database via UWAA. UW Libraries borrowing privileges.
Parents and Family– Anyone (non-UW affiliates/non-Alumni Association members) can purchase a borrower’s cardat any time.
Stay Connected – Follow Us!
If you’re staying local this summer, be sure to check out FREE Library summer events and workshops!
UW Libraries’ social media channels share the latest and greatest news, events and stories along with the “must see” daily features from UW Libraries Special Collections’ — important, quirky and always interesting!
Stay informed about the latest public exhibits, community events, and news related to the UW Libraries by following the Libraries on Instagram or Facebook.
Congratulations, graduates — good luck on the journey ahead!
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Stories
Sharing Shakespeare
May 4, 2026
Stories
Congratulations Husky 100: Students Making an Impact with UW Libraries
April 23, 2026
Established in 2015, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional students each year from all three UW campuses who are making the most of their time at the UW. This recognition celebrates UW students who actively connect what happens inside and outside of the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future.
The 2026 Husky 100 class includes two amazing students who have made significant contributions to UW impact and student success through their work with UW Libraries.
Leo Freedman, ‘26
Leo Freedman will graduate this spring with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Ethnomusicology and International Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies. Leo works in the UW Libraries’ Ethnomusicology Archives. Throughout his time working with the Archives, Freedman led the restructuring of the Archives’ physical space, increased access to fragile archival materials, and developed social media campaigns to promote the Archives.
“I use global research, music and sound to connect the UW to the world, while connecting its own communities from within. From Brazil to Greenland to India, my experience navigating challenges faced by international communities has prepared me to support my communities at home with enthusiasm and humility. Music often serves as a powerful tool for fostering belonging and uplifting voices, whether through research into music-based memory care, the creation of place-based soundscapes, stewarding the UW Ethnomusicology Archives, or performing in the U District with my band.” – Leo Freedman
“What distinguishes Leo is his rare ability to integrate scholarship, leadership, creativity, and service into a coherent and deeply impactful UW experience. Many students excel in one area; he consistently bridges disciplines and communities in ways that extend the University’s mission far beyond campus. His academic work in ethnomusicology and international studies is exceptional, but what truly sets him apart is how he applies his learning to real-world contexts—locally and globally.”
John Vallier
Curator, Ethnomusicology Archives, University Libraries; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Comparative History of Ideas; Faculty Affiliate, Ethnomusicology Program, School of Music
In addition to his work with the Ethnomusicology Archives, Leo has led innovative projects around music-based memory care, international policy research, and created artistic soundscapes. Beyond his own research, he has dedicated much of his Husky experience to using music as a tool for community connection through performances, radio programming, and also working to build an inclusive, internationally diverse fraternity community.
Freedman is currently working on prototyping a product where individuals in late-stage dementia receive personalized soundscapes that document the sounds of their hometown, “bringing a sense of reassurance and reconnection with their identity.”
While considering graduate programs in international studies, Freedman’s future goals center on a career in marketing and/or communications for a business, NGO, or nonprofit oriented around cooperative international aid and development.
Junseo Park, ‘26
Junseo is an interdisciplinary honors student graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and two minor degrees in Entrepreneurship and Architecture.
Throughout his Huksy experience, Junseo has built an extensive network via his participation in, and high-impact contributions to, numerous professional and student organizations on and off campus including
“When I first arrived at the University of Washington as a first-generation immigrant, I did not have a clear roadmap or the networks that often guide students toward opportunity. Through classes, mentors and leadership experiences across campus, I gradually discovered that the work that matters most to me is creating spaces and systems that connect people and expand opportunity for others. Those experiences taught me resilience, communication and empathy, and ultimately shaped my path toward venture investing, where I hope to support people and ideas that create lasting impact.” – Junseo Park
While interning at the start-up JIGO, he helped launch an AI-enabled commercial real estate platform. In 2025, Junseo was awarded the Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship for demonstrating innovation, cross-cultural engagement and impact on campus community-building while working at the UW Tateuchi East Asia Library. Collaborating with staff and students, he established the Manhwa (Korean Graphic Novel) Café, a collaborative pop-up space developed in partnership with the Libraries, Korean Student Association and Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) that celebrates East Asian graphic literature.
“Junseo demonstrated remarkable initiative and leadership through the Graphic Novel Café, transforming an underutilized strength of our collection into an engaging, student-centered experience. His thoughtful collaboration, adaptability, and persistence ensured the project’s success and lasting impact on our community.”
Hyokyoung Yi,
Director of the Tateuchi East Asia Library; Korea Studies Librarian
After graduation, Junseo plans to continue working at GIGR, a San Francisco-based startup where he is currently building an AI-enabled ad generation and automation pipeline.
UW Libraries recognizes the achievements of our outstanding student employees during Student Employee Appreciation Week, and an annual scholarship award, generously sponsored by UW Libraries donors. On April 8, we celebrated this year’s 55 new scholarship recipients with a reception honoring their amazing contributions.
2026 UW Libraries Scholarship recipients at the reception on April 8, 2026.
Library and UW Press student workers represent undergraduates and graduate students from many different areas of study across all three UW campuses.
Only 25% of student employees are focusing their studies on libraries and information science. Students who work at the Libraries come different academic interests across all schools and departments.
As one of the largest employers of student workers on campus, our student employees are essential to Libraries’ operations – while they literally keep the doors open, lights on and books on shelves, they are also peer mentors, writers, designers, engineers, technicians and instructors! UW Libraries’ student employees are truly amazing, and this year’s scholarship class exemplifies the dedication, creativity and joy that our students bring to their jobs every day.
Contributions of the 2026 class of student scholarship recipients include:
Contributed significantly to the redesign of the Libraries new web site
Processed the personal papers of a renowned UW scholar making them accessible to future researchers
Co-curated a new collection and design of a new physical reading space at the Tateuchi East Asia Library
Helped students create online museums for an art history class
Worked with international colleagues to help edit an artist’s ethnography for a documentary film studio
Facilitated course-wide updates and accessibility features for the Graduate Student Research Institute
Created lesson plans and taught research workshops for first year students
Facilitated student assessments and co-design of a new wellness space in Odegaard Library
Worked with Preservation Services to identify fragile books in need of repair
Designed curriculum kits for middle and high school classes teaching labor history and archival literacy skills
Re-designed workflows resulting in more user-friendly printing services
Wrote code for an international project transforming bibliographic records
AND SO MUCH MORE…
Video TBD:UW Libraries Student Reception featuring remarks from Dean of University Libraries, Simon Neame; keynote by Dwight Johnson ’84 and stories from student scholarship recipients Tynan Challenor and Teresa Li.
Scholarship recipient, Teresa Li, reads her essay at the celebration event
In their own words: how has working at UW Libraries & Press supported your personal, academic, or professional growth?
Scholarship recipients are asked to answer this question in their application essay. Common themes across all applicants included improving communication skills and confidence, finding direction and preparing for their future career path, building community, and satisfaction in helping the diverse community of UW Libraries users.
The following are excerpts* from some of this year’s student essays:
“Working in Special Collections has given me the foundation for my education and life. From providing me with mentors who help put ambiguous post-grad life into perspective to research patrons from around the world who inspire me to find my thread of passion and never stop learning, the position has been the foundation and support system of my collegiate experience.” – Cadence
“Being trusted with my own project, in which I oversee the planning and execution, has shown me that I am capable of this work, and that the people I work with trust me to do it well. I am grateful to have such support for my professional growth in a student employee position.” – Lilly
“I learned to slow down, look closely, and understand how small decisions affect the longevity of an entire collection. This mindset naturally carried over into my academic life. I read more thoughtfully, organize my work more carefully, and approach projects with a stronger sense of responsibility. Seeing up close gives me a sense of connection to histories I never would have encountered in my daily classes.” – Lois
“I have been more intentional about how I consume knowledge, thanks to my time at UW libraries. Having served at all eight UW library branches, I have witnessed the countless intellectual paths these libraries make possible.”- Chloe
“Our responsibilities as student assistants, with all the nuances, technicalities, and discipline, encompass the robust hard skillsets that I firmly believe are valuable at any future job I may find.” – Vincent
“This experience has helped me grow…as my first, big “real world” UX collaboration, and it taught me how to work with a diverse team, communicate respectfully, and turn messy human observations into actionable design decisions. It also confirmed for me that UX is what I want to do, because I care about making systems feel easier, kinder, and more human.”- Angelita
“Guiding faculty to books in the stacks, helping a student avoid exorbitant textbook costs by pointing her towards the Interlibrary Loan system, pulling an ancient economics journal from auxiliary stacks – and seeing the patron’s face light up as he found an article written by his great-grandfather; all these were rewarding moments that truly made me feel like I was serving the community. Working in the circulation department gave me a taste of library work, and with it, the realization that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for my time thus far working for UW libraries, because, above all, it’s given me a real vision for my future, and a career I hope to pursue.” -Tom
“I have been able to actively develop skills essential to becoming a more well-rounded researcher such as adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication with individuals who have diverse needs.” – Vannary
“In learning to protect the stories of books, I have begun to understand my own: growth is not something I chase forward, but something I inherit, preserve, and eventually pass on. Working at UW Libraries has taught me that we do not merely process books, we extend their lives. Whether stamping new arrivals or digitizing old ones, we are all participating in the same mission: preserving stories so they may outlive us, and perhaps someday, let our fingerprints be found, too.” – Teresa
“This job has allowed me to grow my social skills, make connections, and gain perspectives that I would have never otherwise gotten. Talking to so many upperclassmen, in such a diverse set of fields, has given me great perspective about those fields, and I feel that I can make better career choices. Most important to me, I’ve made great relationships with my coworkers.” – Sidarth
“Working at the library has renewed my excitement for learning. Just from my conversations with patrons and fellow employees, I have discovered research topics that have expanded my own research interests in psychology and music.” – Polina
” What I appreciate most is how this job connected my childhood love of libraries with the person I am becoming. Working at UW Libraries & Press has helped shape my growth in ways I will carry long after I graduate.” – Mofe
“Working at the Libraries has shown me how engineering can make a tangible difference in spaces built for everyone.” -Nirnkaar
“…most of all it has given me the opportunity to build the most supportive and giving professional network I’ve ever had.” – Michell
“I the diversity of backgrounds has helped me learn a lot about what is possible, and has increased my confidence in all facets of my life.” – Grace
“Working at the library, I have learned more than I thought possible and I feel lucky to have become a member of this empowering community. I am deeply grateful for the amazing people I have found and the skills I have built along the way, which I will take with me for the rest of my life.” – Indigo
“The job has shaped my confidence, not only in a professional sense but has helped me bloom into an independent, excited, and curious individual. As I move closer to my graduation in spring 2026, I know that the community I have been a part of in the Libraries will help me succeed.”– Cole
I can proudly share the work I’ve done in my portfolio and transfer these skills to any future endeavors. These opportunities and processes have grown my artistic skillset and given me a platform which I can professionally grow.” – Elena
*some quotes have been edited slightly for length and clarity.
About the Fund
The Libraries Student Employee Scholarship Program was established in 1998. Since its inception, with the support of more than 750 donors, the program has QUADRUPLED its impact from 5 students in 1998 to 55 students today! Each student is awarded a $1,000 scholarship. To date, more than $545,500 has been awarded to 570 students!
Our sincere thanks to all who have contributed to this special initiative. TOGETHER, you have made a lasting impact for each awardee.
If you would like to make a gift to support UW Libraries student employee scholarships, visit the giving page, or contact Libraries Advancement to discuss ways of including the Libraries in the landscape of your philanthropy.
Congratulations to all 2026 UW Libraries Student Employee Scholarship Recipients!!
Stories
Libraries in the Classroom: The History of Recorded Information
April 2, 2026
…and What Typewriters Can Teach Us About Modern Communication
For more than twenty years, UW Librarians have co-taught LIS 508, the History of Recorded Information as a course for the UW Information School’s MLIS program. With the retirement of longstanding instructors David Levy and Sandra Kroupa, UW Libraries Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections, Julie Tanaka, was asked to take over as the instructor of record. Tanaka redesigned the course to align with current MLIS Student Learning Outcomes and taught the course this past Winter. Through a series of guest lectures and hands-on learning, the course explores the global history of recorded information, analyzing diverse formats and cultural contexts from preliterate to digital eras. The course is intended to equip students to critically analyze how recorded information is created, shaped, preserved, and used and to develop ethical, nuanced approaches to acquiring, preserving, and stewarding recorded information as an information professional.
Students have the opportunity to observe and engage with a variety of formats of recorded information and the methods used to create them, including
Manuscripts (clay and wax tablets, scrolls, codices, maps) with styluses, pencils, pens, chalk, brushes
Printed works (scrolls, codices, maps) created by printing presses, typewriters, computers
Audio-visual recordings (wax cylinders, reel-to-reel, digitized, born-digital) recorded with phonographs, tape recorders, mobile phones, webcams
Online media (digital newspapers, news, images, multimedia) with software, digital recorders
Wax cylinders recorded over a hundred years ago of the Lushootseed language housed at UW Special Collections.
Students also have the opportunity to produce their own records using a variety of methods they examine in class.
One of the guest lectures, “Slow Media: Typewriters”, was taught by Richard Lewis, Associate Dean of University Libraries, UW Bothell & Cascadia College. Lewis has collected typewriters as a hobby for many years, cultivating a diverse collection as well as extensive expertise. He became interested in the machine and its history while living overseas in Brussels, working on his PhD in the philosophy of technology and media, & communication studies.
“It began with a 1938 Italian typewriter with a French keyboard. I even started writing my dissertation on that machine,” says Lewis.
Richard Lewis
Lewis is a guest lecturer for several courses, bringing his typewriters to classes such as creative poetry and textual studies. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with students, and seeing how interaction with such a humble machine (by today’s standards) can elicit such thought-provoking insights from his students, which he shares with us here.
How did students respond to the “Typewriter Assignment”?
As one of the assignments, students were asked to write a personal letter on one of the 24 typewriters brought to the classroom.
“Writing on a typewriter is immediately physical in ways that digital writing is not. Striking the keys takes a specific motion to ensure the type bars don’t get entangled with each other and enough force is used to transfer the ink to the paper. The carriage return uses a deliberate gesture at the end of every line to both return the carriage and advance the paper. Most of my typewriters do not have the number “1” or an exclamation mark (though both can be typed).
Students noticed the sound filling the room, the smell of ink and metal, the way they had to commit to each word because there was no delete key waiting to rescue them.
After warming up with typing exercises, they each composed a letter to someone who would be happy to hear from them. I brought envelopes and stamps to ensure the letters would be mailed, and I asked them to reflect on a simple question: how are you a different writer on this machine?
That question was the point of the session. The first hour had been spent building the philosophical scaffolding to make it meaningful. Drawing on existing research, including my book, I walked students through the idea that communication technologies are never neutral instruments we simply pick up and use. Every medium transforms both the writer and the reader. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato worried about this with writing itself, arguing that words on a page strip away the lived context of the speaker. Walter Ong, a renowned priest, scholar, and educator, traced how the shift from oral to literate culture reorganized human cognition. I extended that trajectory through the typewriter, asking students to consider how each change in communication technology reconstitutes who we are as thinkers and writers. By the time they sat down at the typewriters, they had a framework for paying attention to their physical and cognitive experience in writing, not just to the words they were producing.”
video:Students in LIS 508 working with typewriters in the Special Collections classroom. Julie Tanaka talks with students, while a vintage printing press can be seen on the left side of the classroom.
What were some of the surprising discoveries students made while typing?
Students didn’t type with the same speed as they would on a digital device. Any mistake was not easily fixed. And, when students typed too quickly or without the precise finger movement, the typebars could get stuck and tangled, forcing them to work at a much slower pace. One student sat down to a typewriter with a cursive font, a surprise that required a bit of adjustment, but resulting in a beautiful, all-cursive letter that feels especially unique today given the decline of hand-written communication.
What do you enjoy most about teaching, and this course in particular?
I love how students get swept up in the embodied experience of writing with typewriters. Their cell phones are forgotten for an hour, and they become enchanted with the experience of writing.
The typewriters cut through the typical way we communicate and students suddenly see the medium of communication for what it is. It is a wonderful experiential learning moment.
I am also happy that students don’t rush through the exercise to get it done and leave. They took advantage of the full hour of typing and seemed to really enjoy the experience. Those who finished their assignment started another letter and others moved to try out different typewriters to see how those typed.
And, teaching gives me a good reason to collect typewriters!
Beyond the typewriter: A range of perspectives
Lewis is one of many Librarians who teach nearly 700 instruction sessions annually including their own classes like the History of Recorded Information, and as guest lecturers covering a wide range of topics across disciplines. In this course, students had the opportunity to learn from many different experts and explore a wide range of topics including:
Indigenous community archives (Filipino American National Historical Society community archive), presented by Digital Preservation Librarian, Mariecris Gatlabayan
“From Oracle Bones to Print–History of Information Recording in China”, presented by Lucy Li, China Studies Librarian
Recording Information in Art, presented by Juliet Sperling, Assistant Professor, Art History; Kollar Endowed Chair in American Art
Western Codex, presented by Geoff Turnovsky, Professor of French and Co-Director, Textual Studies Program
Sound recordings on various formats and equipment for recording, presented by John Vallier, Ethnomusicology Archives Curator
Intellectual property, rights and protections pertaining to recorded information, presented by Maryam Fakouri Copyright Librarian
Working with Indigenous materials
The roles of information professionals working with Indigenous materials, Indigenous data sovereignty, negotiating western archival principles and practices with Indigenous protocols and understandings of knowledge, presented by Assistant Professor, Information School, Sandy Littletree
Practical examples of stewarding and caring for recorded information created by Indigenous peoples, work at UWB with their collections of Indigenous materials) presented by Sena Crow, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) and Student Engagement Librarian at UW Bothell
The course LIS 508 is offered once per academic year, during winter quarter. If you are an MLIS student interested in taking this course, bookmark it here for next winter quarter.
Related Resources:
Stories
Preparing for Finals Week: UW Libraries 10 Tips for Success
March 5, 2026
While many students think of libraries primarily as places to study and access research materials, UW Libraries provides many services and support for students year-round! Be sure to bookmark this page and learn more about these time-saving resources to help you succeed and stress less during finals!
Extended Hours and Events:
Extended hours March 13-15:Odegaard Library will extend hours during end-of- quarter and finals week! See hours.
Study Sprints March 11-13: Odegaard will host timed study sprints –check the calendar for all dates and times.
De-Stress Activities– TBD
Fuel n’ Fun – March 13, 6PM-11PM: FREE hot drinks and buttons!
Top Ten Tips:
1. Ask Us
Librarians (humans) can help you find things that Google can’t. Really. We’re online and ready to answer any question to help you find the resources you need. Chat online, meet virtually, or email us. No question is too big or too small. If you are interested in a specific topic or toolset, you can search by subject or specialty and get connected to personalized help in person or online.
2. Find a place to study, and plan ahead
If you have never explored more than one or two libraries on campus, find a hidden gem! Browse for study spaces across all the UW Libraries and reserve a study space that’s right for you.
3. Utilize the Odegaard Writing and Research Center
Not sure where to start your research? Need some advice on how to organize your ideas? Writer’s block? Don’t wait until the day before your paper is due–set up an appointment now with the OWRC.
Research Consultant
UW students can get 1:1 libraries assistance with all types of research projects and assignments. Meet with a librarian one-on-one to discuss:
Focusing a research topic
Identifying & evaluating sources
Searching library databases effectively
4. Get help creating and publishing digital projects:
Open to faculty and students, UW Libraries Open Scholarship Commons (OSC) offers office hours the first Tuesday of the monthto advise on a wide range of digital scholarship topics and tools– digital publishing, data visualization, digital exhibits, data research management, audio and video production, copyright, and more!
Connect Google Scholar with your UW Libraries account to see which results can be accessed through UW Libraries with a direct link to the resource in the catalog!
If there are articles or book chapters that you’re not able to get immediate digital access to in our UW databases, Interlibrary Loan may be able to get them for you.
To learn about some of our most helpful search tools and best practices – whether you are a new student, or a PhD grad, this post has helpful advice for all students.
9.Discover the Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial
Students told us what they wished they knew their very first year at UW, and we listened. Your feedback helped us to create an online tutorial for all levels of student research expertise. Don’t wait until the end of your UW journey to hone your research skills. Learn more.
10. Be good to yourself. Take Breaks. Get Inspired.
We know it’s not easy to eat right, get rest, and find ways to reduce stress, but it is essential! Check out these resources to help you take care of yourself and find that balance during stressful times:
We hope these tips and resources will help you find what you need to succeed in preparation for finals week and throughout the year. You’ve got this, Huskies! 🙂
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Stories
March Update
March 2, 2026
This blooming tree, right outside UW Libraries’ Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers, was planted in commemoration of Glenda Pearson’, the former head of the department, in honor of her career, retirement, and emeritus status.
Shall we call it “Sprinter”? It’s the time of year when spring is almost here, and the end of winter quarter is upon us. Think of it as a great time to get ready for finals – bookmark the best online tips in this month’s “Featured Resources” and learn about extended hours and Study Sprints hosted at Odegaard March 11-13. In between study sessions, save some time for UW Libraries concerts, exhibit talks, learning events and more that may inspire your next research project! Happy Sprinter to all!
News and Stories
Operations Update –Smith Room hiatus: As the Suzzallo Façade and Seismic project is moving along, noise impacts are becoming more regular. Due to unpredictable noise disruption and an inability to guarantee a quiet environment for events, the room will be closed from August 1, 2025, through September 30,2026. Reservations will resume sooner if the work is completed earlier than expected.
Three Years of Open Data with Dryad: Dryad is an open data publishing platform available to UW users in alignment with the increasing advocacy of public research universities to provide for the open sharing of research data and outputs. In 2025, UW data deposits in Dryad had over 1,000 downloads and 3,600 views! Read the UW Libraries 2025 Dryad summary to see which data sets had the most views.
The Daily: ‘The Mountain is Out’: a story on the current exhibit featuring Mount Rainier photography, books, and historical materials now on display in Special Collections.
On air: Podcasting for Archives – Archives in Context, is produced by a committee of producers, editors, and co-hosts from across the country, including UW Libraries’ Conor Casey, head of the Labor Archives of Washington! Dive into a recent episode that explores teaching primary source research skills in today’s classroom. Read the blog.
“My work with primary sources is fundamentally collaborative. I partner with faculty to bring archival materials directly into their curriculum, tailoring the approach to their specific instructional goals.” – Conor Casey, head of the Labor Archives of Washington in the recent blog post Podcasting for Archives.
Suzzallo Library was recently featured in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip, produced by PBS Books and the Library of Congress. If you missed the debut episode, you can still watch online and hear from local literary legends, Nancy Pearl and Timothy Egan on why Suzzallo Library is so special to our community. View episode
Fun Fact Trivia
Which of these were one of the top 3 UW research datasets downloaded via the open data publishing platform, Dryad?
Interactions among nutrients govern the global grassland biomass, precipitation relationship
A dataset for predicting protein-protein interactions in humans
A curated quorum sensing reference linking diverse Luxl-type signal synthases with their acyl-homoserine lactone products
*Answer at bottom of post.
Featured Resources
Top Tips for Finals – a great list of popular research guidance and support from UW Libraries- including Odegaard study sprints. These resources are helpful when you are getting ready for finals, or anytime!
UW Libraries Student Guide – with finals coming up, refresh your understanding of this popular UW Libraries all-in-one resource for students of all levels of experience.
Community Events and Exhibits
Music in the Libraries:
March 4: First Wednesday Concert Series Allen Library – this month features School of Music faculty in collaboration with Stephen Price, UW Head of Organ Studies. Pala Garcia (Violin), John Popham (Cello), Michael Partington (Guitar), and John-Carlos Perea (Ethnomusicologist – Cedar Flute) will perform in the concert. Prior to and following the program, the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has offered an interactive demonstration of an Orgel Kit, showcasing the inner workings of a pipe organ.
Wednesday, Mar 4 – Scholar’s Studio Virtual Edition. Tune in for this fun, informal, interdisciplinary event features rapid-fire lightning talks by students doing Master’s and Doctoral level projects and research.
Thursday, Mar 19–EXHIBIT TALK: Out of Scope: UW Artifacts in Special Collections Join us for an exhibit talk with University Archivist John Bolcer, as he discusses some of the objects on display related to the University of Washington’s history and the student experience, and shares additional items not included in the exhibit.
Monday, March 30: [Exhibition Tour] Seeing Beyond the Island — A Lens into the 228 Sites《島內之外鏡行事 — 二二八遺址展》導覽 Seeing Beyond the Island: presented in partnership with the Memorial Foundation of 228 (Taiwan) and the UW Tateuchi East Asia Library, A Lens into the 228 Sites explores locations across Taiwan connected to the February 28 Incident and its aftermath. Through photographs and historical context, the tour reveals how ordinary streets and public spaces carry layered histories of violence, memory, and resilience. Exhibit/Event details.
Learning Workshops and Office Hours
Tuesday, Mar 10- Introduction to Text Mining: Join us for a hands-on introduction to text mining. Using Python and Orange Data Mining, we will explore practical techniques for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing textual data.
Friday, Mar 13– Computing With Classics 5: DICES Case Study Computing With Classics is a returning five-workshop series exploring how computing has affected classical scholarship. In the fifth and final workshop, we will engage in a hands-on activity involving programming and working with the Digital Initiative for Classics: Epic Speeches (DICES) database. No prior experience expected or required!
Save the Date
Submissions Open April 1, 2026 / Applications due April 30, 2026-Undergraduate Research Award (URA): Specifically for undergraduates, the URA is open to both individuals and teams who collaborate on group research work. The award (with cash prizes ranging from $500-$1,000!!) honors outstanding ability to find, evaluate, and synthesize library and other information resources in the creation of an original course project. Award details.
UW Press
Tuesday, Mar 24- Book launch: MOHAI Mercantile hosts the official launch event for Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal with local historians David B. Williams and Jennifer Ott. Hear from the authors about the tumultuous history of one of Seattle’s defining projects, an introduction to the engineering marvel of the Ballard locks, and a primer on the history of the ship canal. Book launch event details.
Fun Fact Answer: ALL OF THEM! See the full “Top 10” list of the most downloaded and most viewed UW datasets for 2025.
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Stories
Podcasting for Archives
March 2, 2026
As podcasts have become an increasingly ubiquitous part of our everyday content intake, it is no surprise that more educators – including Librarians and archivists – have been using the format in a variety of ways. Podcasts can be a great tool for sharing research, introducing or expanding on a specific topic as part of coursework, and as a source of community for students, faculty, and researchers alike, untethered to their physical location.
You might say there is a podcast for just about anything, even historical archives! Archives in Context, launched in 2019, is produced by a committee of producers, editors, and co-hosts from across the country, including UW Libraries’ Conor Casey, head of the Labor Archives of Washington at the University of Washington.
Archives in Context is the official podcast of the Society of American Archivists (SAA), associated with the Publications Board, American Archivist Editorial Board, and Committee on Public Awareness. The impetus for the podcast was to reflect change and trends in a profession that is constantly evolving by highlighting those who are pushing the profession in new directions, and to explore different types of archives in different contexts, locations, and collecting areas. Archives focuses on personal stories about collections, the many ways that archivists bridge the past and present, unique approaches to current challenges, and the often moving and important work of memory-keeping.
Casey first joined the hosting crew in December of 2024.
“I volunteered/applied to be part of the board and to co-host because I thought it would be a great way to contribute to the profession, meet interesting colleagues, and inspire my own research and learning in the field,” says Casey.
In the latest episode, Casey and his co-host Adreonna Bennett, the community engagement archivist at UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library, interviewed author, instructor and archivist Julie Thomas about her new book, Teaching Primary Source Research Skills to 21st-Century Learners.
“The inspiration for this episode came from a deep personal interest in primary source instruction modalities,” says Casey. “After reading Thomas’ book, I knew I wanted to volunteer to co-host an episode on her work. ”
During the episode, Thomas discusses theories and pedagogies for teaching primary source research skills in the classrooms of today.
The conversation touches upon active learning strategies, effective methods of incorporating archival materials into instruction, and the importance of adapting our teaching approach to the learning styles of today’s students.
About the Labor Archives of Washington:
A part of the Special Collections of the University of Washington Libraries, the Labor Archives of Washington (LAW) began as a collaborative project of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies and the University of Washington Libraries and has grown into an ongoing program. Initial funding for the Archives came largely from the labor movement; the contributions of dozens of unions and hundreds of individuals made this possible. A dedicated state budget now supports LAW activities.
Casey summarizes his learning from the podcast and what he thinks is important for audiences to know:
What are some of the key lessons from this episode?
Whether you are teaching directly about primary sources or using them to support other learning outcomes, her frameworks provide clear guidance. Julie has done the vital work of synthesis and analysis. She has woven together competencies from history, archives, libraries, and related fields into something entirely new and useful.
What stands out is how she makes theory actionable. The learning rubrics she developed are a prime example. They are steeped in intense, cross-disciplinary research, yet they remain remarkably practical. That is what I admire most about her book: it builds a bridge between complex theory and real-world application. Her work isn’t meant to sit on a shelf—it is ready to be used.
How do you use archival materials in the classroom?
My work with primary sources is fundamentally collaborative. I partner with faculty to bring archival materials directly into their curriculum, tailoring the approach to their specific instructional goals.
Sometimes that means providing historical sources for personal or group projects. Other times, it involves transforming Special Collections into a hands-on “teaching lab” for classes, like those in the iSchool. And in many cases, it means working alongside community members—especially labor groups—to show them how to navigate our collections for their own research or collaborative projects.
What words of advice would you give to students interested in the field?
We are all archivists. Every day, the communities we belong to and the lives we lead are quietly building a record for the future. I encourage students to think not only about the history they are creating, but also about the hidden histories around them—the stories that might otherwise be lost; and consider, whose voices are being represented?
Who can access Special Collections?
Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a student or faculty member to use the collections, all you need is curiosity. Our collections are more than just old documents and boxes. They are one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable fragments of memory, connecting us to our ancestors in both a literal and an intellectual, symbolic, way. They are the physical proof of those who came before us.
If you are interested in learning more about the podcast, archiving profession, UW Special Collections, or how UW Libraries can contribute to your teaching, learning and research:
Season 9, Episode 1 – A conversation with Maigen Sullivan and Joshua Burford of Invisible Histories, a community-based archive dedicated to documenting the diverse history of LGBTQ life in the US South.
