Skip to content
UW Libraries

Category: Stories

Stories

Digital Preservation Milestone

January 9, 2026

Over 1 Million Files Preserved

UW Libraries preservation repository, created in 2016, has just crossed the 100 TB mark, which represents the digital preservation of over one million files!   Behind the numbers, however; this milestone reflects the prioritization and dedication to preserving UW Libraries materials  for generations to come, including books, photographs, newspapers, government papers, audio recordings, films, and videos and more.

What is a preservation repository? 

The preservation repository is the storage infrastructure in which digital content is preserved.  The majority of files in the repository are from UW Libraries’ Special Collections, including the examples above, as well as born-digital files that were created by a computer or other digital technology (phones, cameras, etc.). The increasing number of born-digital files reflects the significant change and shift in the way people use digital tools to do their work, research, and document their lives.

A Job That Never Ends

While the term “digital preservation” on its own may seem as simple as saving a file on a server, it is actually an array of many different activities to process, maintain and update files to ensure users can access them for years to come, often adapting for software and hardware that may become obsolete, and protecting files from corruption or bitloss. This work is ongoing, requiring the expertise of dedicated staff to continually process materials and assess the integrity of the repository.

‘A Dark Archive’: Not what you think

The preservation repository is what is referred to as a “dark archive.” While disappointing to some, a dark archive is not the secret library of Darth Vader – it refers to a preservation repository that has limited access to reduce the risk of accidental or intentional edit, corruption, or deletion of digital files. When you access a digital file online via the UW Libraries catalog, Special Collections Digital Collections, Special Collections’ Internet Archives, in ArchivesWest and other online platforms, it is actually a copy of the preserved file. Files sit patiently in the preservation repository as they are monitored for any changes in their bitstream until a researcher or department requests the preservation copy from the Digital Preservation Librarian. A copy of the digital file is then restored from the preservation repository, processed, and delivered to the user or department.

Explore Digital Materials

UW Libraries digital collections are immense, covering a wide range of subjects and materials. Many students do not realize these collections exist, until prompted by their instructor or a librarian. To help inspire your next discovery, here are a few examples that illustrate a small selection of the amazing digital materials you can access in our collections:

Art and Culture

Alt text: screenshot of dancers from Doris Chase film

Doris Chase was an artist who specialized in dance/sculpture films that explore dance performance and sculpture. Digitized Doris Chase films, audio and video recordings are available on the Internet Archive.

.

Alt text photo: Jim Anderson @ the Croc's board.

The Crocodile Cafe Collection contains over 3,000 hours of live recordings from 2002 to 2007 by audio engineer Jim Anderson of over 2,000 bands and artists. Genres include punk, indie rock, sludge metal, emo hip pop, and power pop, including The Harvey Danger concerts, online in Soundcloud

.

Melville Jacobs and Mrs. Annie Peterson (Coos), in Charleston, Oregon, July 1934, with graduate student Orin Johnston (crouching). Photo courtesy of Bill Seaburg.

The Jacobs Research Funds supports anthropological and linguistic research on living Native Americans. Recent additions to the preservation repository include digital content from the 

To learn more about Jacobs Research Fund projects, their website has a list of all past projects.

Civic / Government History

Alt text photo: film image of boat passengers from Japan Trip #1: Harry Teickichi Kawanishi home movies

Japanese American collections that depict life in the Pacific Northwest. Collections include: 

Materials in the Matsushita papers were featured in the Ken Burns documentary, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”

.

Alt text Photo: Senator Henry M. Jackson sitting at the controls of the nuclear submarine, the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON off the coast of New England, 1960

The namesake for the Jackson School of International Studies, Henry M. Jackson served Washington state for six terms in both the US House of Representatives and in the US Senate. Henry M. Jackson photographic and graphic materials are preserved in the preservation repository.

Environment and Nature

Alt text: climbers in snow- The Mountaineers Summer Outing, July 31 - August 21, 1920, The Olympics

The Mountaineers photograph album collection depicts some of the first major expeditions of the Mountaineers including the first major outing to Mt. Olympus in 1907. Other areas represented in the collection include Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker/Glacier Peak, Mt. Stuart/Mt. Daniel, Mt. Adams, Canada, Montana and various locations in the western United States.

Labor History

photo: image montage of interviewees

Oral history interviews of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Pacific Coast Pensioners Association Oral History Project: oral history interviews of ILWU pensioners and PCPA members on their work lives, career and membership.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 46: records began in 1914 and digitized records from 1917-1996 are available online in Digital Collections.

To learn more about the Libraries digital preservation program, visit the UW Libraries Preservation Services. 

If you need more inspiration, or guidance on how to use digital materials in your research work, ASK US – our team can help you think through a project, recommend tools and resources to get you started! Explore student projects.

###

Stories

Making Space for Wellness at Odegaard Library

January 7, 2026

Hey Huskies! We know you contain multitudes—the stress of classes, the excitement of campus life, friend dynamics, work responsibilities and endless study sessions. Carrying all those multitudes can get heavy! Aligned with campus-wide efforts to support student care and well-being, UW Libraries newest addition will help to lighten your load, even if only for a few minutes between classes.

We’re thrilled to introduce a space designed just for you: the Odegaard Library Wellness Room: 3rd floor, Room 326

Image Wellness room with resting chairs, a large table, shelf storage and a variety of other seating

Why Wellness?

UW Libraries staff constantly review current trends and research to meet changing user needs. New literature and data connects student wellness and academic success. The Association of College & Research Libraries listed supporting student wellness, well-being, and mental health as a top trend for academic libraries in 2024.

Your New Multi-Use Sanctuary

We’ve taken an underused quiet study space and transformed it into a flexible, multi-purpose Wellness Room to support your mental and physical wellbeing. Unlike most other wellness spaces on the UW Seattle campus, which are single-use, the Odegaard Wellness Room prioritizes multiple activities in one place.

Students who contributed to the design phases of the room in 2025 gave us positive feedback, with several reporting they felt more relaxed and ready to take on the day after engaging with the activities and furniture. This is your dedicated space to recharge, rest, relax between classes, and decompress from the pressures of academic life.

Stressed Out? Enjoy a new place to chill out!

The Wellness Room is intentionally designed with four activity areas based on student and staff feedback, allowing you to choose how you want to self-regulate:

  • Meditation & Mindfulness: Grab a yoga mat or use one of the items from our Mindfulness Kit (like a buddha board or gratitude card deck).
  • Relaxation, Rest, and Re-Focusing: Find comfortable chairs and furniture to simply take a breather. Use items from the Focus Kit like crossword, Sudoku, and logic puzzle books to reinvigorate and re-focus you.
  • Craft & Creativity: Get hands-on with our Creativity Kit! You can dive into puzzles, coloring books, art markers, and origami.
  • Sensory Soothing: Use sensory furniture, fidget toys, or items from the Sensory Kit (like a wobble cushion or textured worry stones) for self-regulation.

You can check out the four Wellness Kits at the Information Desk on the 2nd floor.

Wellness Room Collection

Untitled Design (7)

The room also includes a small book and card deck collection with ideas for mindfulness and de-stress activities. Items in this collection should remain in the room and cannot be checked out. For similar materials that can be checked out, visit the Life Skills Collection on the 2nd floor of Odegaard Library.

Bring Your Best Buddies (The Companion Cats, that is)

The Wellness Room is the perfect place to enjoy the circulating wellness resources you already love! These resources are tools for emotional regulation, sensory self-regulation, and time management.

You can check out items from the Wellness Technology Collection for in-building use only at the Information Desk on the 2nd floor, including:

Copy Of Wellness Kit Instagram Posts (1)

Our famous animatronic Companion Cats (Purrcival and Clawdia, who have already boasted over 100 checkouts!) for a sweet calming friend and furry companionship without the allergies.

A Purrble co-regulating pet for breathing breaks

Lumie Light Therapy Lamps for an extra dose of light when the days get dark 

White Noise Machines for when it’s too quiet to think

Cellphone Lock Box for a crucial break from scrolling

Quick Vibe Check & Guidelines:

To ensure this space remains a sanctuary for everyone, we have a few guidelines:

  • Take a Study Break: The Wellness Room is not a study space.
  • Go Tech-Free: We highly encourage you to make the Wellness Room a technology-free space, unless you are accessing meditation or other relaxation material.
  • Be Space Considerate: If someone is using a space or equipment, kindly wait for them to finish without interrupting. Spread out, give people adequate personal space. 
  • Be Noise Considerate: This is a designated quiet space. Please keep speaking, chanting, and music to a minimum, and remember to leave the room as nicely as you’d like to find it.
  • Keep Items Safe Please keep all furniture and equipment inside the room, and return any library-placed items when you finish using them.

Thank You!

In addition to Libraries’ programmatic funding, several philanthropic funds were instrumental in helping to create the Wellness Room,  including UW Parents Collections and Programs Endowed Fund and the Anne Neider Library Endowment.

Ready to experience a moment of peace and fun? Come visit the new Odegaard Wellness Room and take that well-deserved break in Room 326! 

###

Stories

New Exhibit: Out of Scope

December 14, 2025

Explore Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections 

Out of Scope poster

As a library department focused on research, many of the artifacts accumulated by Special Collections over the past century don’t always get their exhibit spotlight like we think they should! Now on display are many of these fascinating, sometimes mysterious artifacts in the collection, highlighting unique stories and histories with ties to the University and our region at the new exhibit – Out of Scope, Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections

What is “Out of Scope”?

Like most museums, a libraries’ special collections are often defined by their “scope,” that is, certain criteria and parameters that guide collection development. For University of Washington Libraries, that scope is textual materials (vs. artifacts) focused on University history (i.e. photographs, books, faculty papers, research artifacts, etc.) as well as materials that document local and regional histories – cultural, civic, environmental, etc.  Smaller collecting areas include rare books and book arts, costume textiles, and atlas and travel collections.   Where museums collect materials that tell a story for the viewer, research Libraries collections are meant for direct engagement with materials for research purposes, allowing the user to create something new through the discovery of new information or perspectives from primary sources. 

The Great Unknown

Many of the out-of-scope materials came to the Libraries as part of larger collections, but those particular items were not well documented, and their origin story is unknown. There are also some “mystery”  items whose purpose and use are also unknown. Come and see the exhibit, maybe you will have the answer! 

Something New To See

 “This first rotation of the exhibit represents just the tip of the iceberg,” says Director of Special Collections, Lisa Oburg.  “Because many of the materials are extremely fragile, they are not intended to be kept on display for long periods of time. We plan to rotate the materials throughout the year so visitors have the opportunity to see many different items from the collection.”

There are currently more than 200 items on display. While all are encouraged to view the exhibit in person to get the full “scope” on these artifacts, here are a few highlights… 

Student Life

  • 1870s- UW’s first “yearbook” – students etched their predictions about the future on to parchment stored in a custom-made log, created from a giant Washington Elm that was removed from campus
  • Logo sweaters, and the “freshman beanie” 
  • Athletic programs, one sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes! 
student "year book" log with handwritten notes from students in 1871
vintage sweater
vintage UW sweater
vintage beanie purple and gold
Chesterfield Cigarette ad in an athletic program
FUN FACT: Changing Scope
When materials come to Special Collections, sometimes they include non-textual items that are outside the scope, but the Library keeps them because they are part of the given collection.  When the collection scope changes at an institution,  collections often can move to other institutions. For example, The Burke was the de facto campus museum until it reevaluated its scope to indigenous and natural history. When it shifted its scope, some of those “out of scope” materials were moved to UW Libraries Special Collections or the Museum of History and Industry.

Film and sound technology of the past

  • Wax cylinder recording,  the 1800’s version of a record or CD
  • Moviescop -to view 16mm film reels 
  • Tapes! VHS, cassettes, and more!
wax cylinder
Moviescop machine
Tapes, records and VHS tapes

UW Medicine

  • Antique medical instruments,  kits, medicines (what’s in the green jar?)
  • UW School of Nursing Dolls and Hats – legend has it that these dolls, each representing nursing uniforms from different eras,  were on display at UW Nursing School and were transferred to Special Collections at an unknown date, along with school documents and actual nursing uniforms. Nurses used to be identified by their hat type, each style representing their individual nursing school. The handmade model hats in the display reflect this out-of-style requirement.  
antique medicine bottles
surgical kit set in velvet case
Img 9402
image: middle ages nurse outfit on doll
Img 9403

Local Matchbooks – a standard amenity at most restaurants and businesses in the mid-century; you can see a variety of matchbooks from Canlis, 13 Coins, Dahlia Lounge, Benihana and many more!

matchbooks

Out of Scope Gallery Talks!

Explore unique materials in the collection and the exhibit with insights and stories from the curators all year long! 

Special Collections is located on the basement level of Suzzallo and Allen Libraries. The exhibit is in the Special Collections Reading Room, and can be viewed during open hours (Monday through Friday, 1 PM – 4:45 PM) 

###

Stories

December Update

December 9, 2025

The end of fall quarter is here, and 2026 is just around the corner!  A sincere THANK YOU to all who consider supporting UW Libraries in your annual philanthropy; your gift supports every student and a global community of teaching, learning and research! Speaking of giving… check out our story below on UW Tacoma Library’s Food for Finals wish list and consider the perfect UW gift with UW Press’ 40% off Holiday Sale! Whether you are going home, taking a trip or staying on campus, enjoy your break and take advantage of free access to streaming media, games and more (see “Boredom Busters” below!).  Just in time for the new year, we are excited to announce a new web site as well, so if you aren’t already, be sure to follow @uofwalibraries to stay informed about this and other upcoming events, new resources, exhibits and more. 

Hours During Interim/Quarter Break

  • Know before you go– be aware of adjustments to hours for end-of-quarter and interim break for all libraries.
  • Built Environments, Drama, Music and Tateuchi Libraries will be closed from December 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026 as the buildings they occupy will be closed.

News and Stories

A New Quarter, A New Web Site! During the week of December 15, 2025 (interim break), UW Libraries will be launching a new website– a comprehensive redesign of the website. The change will be significant in terms of navigation, reflecting input from extensive user testing and feedback to address common questions of usability and discoverability. Learn more about the new website launch.

UW Libraries Joins the BTAA-Geospatial Information Network Learn more about this incredible network of resources designed to support the geospatial research community by increasing discoverability and access to geospatial resources. Read the story.

Support UW Food Insecurity Programs – sadly, hunger is a barrier to academic success for many students who struggle with food insecurity. You can help by donating to these campus food programs:

UW Press Holiday Sale!

UW Press publishes unique and compelling work (both fiction and non-fiction) with regional, national and global impact. With a wide range of topics, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Take advantage of this special holiday savings today and give a gift that is uniquely “UW” for the holidays, that next birthday, or “just because”  Now through January 2, 2025, browse our site and use the promo code WINTER25 at checkout to receive 40% off your purchase and free domestic shipping. Happy holidays, and thank you for supporting the University of Washington Press! Order/ Learn More.

Break Time Boredom “Busters” 

Have some “down time” during the academic break, and not sure what to do? Explore these FREE entertaining Libraries resources! 

Streaming Media: From foreign films, documentaries, musical and dance performances, public broadcasting archives and more, there are thousands of online videos to explore that you won’t find on your typical streaming services!
The Game Collection at Odegaard Library contains board, card, and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). The collection is located on Odegaard 1st floor, just inside and to the left of the main entry doors.
Good Reads is a collection of fiction and nonfiction books for students to read for leisure. All the books in the Good Reads collection have been published within the last five years, so find your new favorite book here!
Digital Collections: From old UW yearbooks and campus photos, vintage ephemera like postcards, menus, magazines, posters, rare books, manuscripts, maps and so much more to spend a few hours (or a few days) going down the “rabbit hole” of wonder and delight that is UW Libraries Special Collections – AND UW Libraries ethnomusicology collections!

Exhibits

Photo of vintage matchbook covers

Out of Scope: Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections– through Sep 18, 2026 Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)

Learn how archivists define the scope of their collections, and see some of the fascinating, unexpected artifacts have made their way into Special Collections!

LAST CHANCE TO VIEW: Right to Read: Banned books and the First Amendment- through December 12
Location: ground floor Suzzallo Library: Our first amendment right protects our freedom of speech, but what about our freedom to read? The exhibit Right To Read: Banned books and the First Amendment discusses the complex nature of banned books in the United States. Learn more.

Orotone photograph of Mount Rainier and Mirror Lake

The Mountain is Out – Ongoing through Friday, Aug 28, 2026
Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)
Rainier, Tahoma, Nutselip… the mountain is known by many names. A Pacific Northwest icon, Mount Rainier holds a unique place in the region’s culture and lore. Its massive peak is the dominant land form on the horizon for more than a hundred miles in any direction, rising far above the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Beginning in the late 19th century, European and American visitors explored the area, and activism led to the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899.

paper making in China

From Brush to Type: The Evolution of Bookmaking in East Asia – through  Mar 31, 2026, Location: Gowen Hall (GWN)
This exhibit highlights rare works from the Tateuchi East Asia Library Special Collections, showcasing how innovations in papermaking, printing, and design across East Asia transformed the form of books and the cultures they shaped. Exhibit details

Get Libraries news like this directly to your inbox! Sign-up for our blog!

Your Email:

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

###

Stories

UW Libraries Joins the BTAA-Geospatial Information Network

December 1, 2025

by Matt Parsons, Geospatial Data & Maps Librarian
Reposted and edited from BTAA-GIN Collection Stories 

Representation of how a map is built by using separate layers or focuses in an environment
An example of how a map is built by using separate layers or focuses in an environment. Learn more about GIS and GIS research services

The University of Washington Libraries has recently joined the BTAA-Geospatial Information Network (GIN). The Big Ten Academic Alliance Geoportal is open to all with the goal to support the geospatial research community by increasing discoverability and access to geospatial resources.  This work is facilitated through building and maintaining a collective open-source spatial data infrastructure featuring metadata optimized for spatial discovery platforms. The resources in the portal are selected and curated by librarians and geospatial specialists at fifteen research institutions in theBig Ten Academic Alliance. The resources include GIS datasets, web services and digitized historical maps.¹

UW Libraries representatives to the GIN are Matthew Parsons, Geospatial Data & Maps Librarian, and Allison Anderson, GIS Infrastructure Support Specialist. We are excited to begin working with our fellow BTAA colleagues and contributing to the mission and vision of the GIN.

UW Libraries has added over 3,500 Washington-related web services to the GIN

Working together with Karen Majewicz, Associate Director: Technology & Data Curation, BTAA Geospatial Information Network, UW Libraries has added over 3,500 Washington-related web services to the GIN, which included importing all the GIS data layers for regional data portals (i.e. WA Geospatial Open Data Portal) into the BTAA-GIN Geoportal.

What is GIS?

“A Geospatial Information System (GIS) is a technology that is used to create, manage, analyze, and map all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis that is used in science and almost every industry. GIS helps users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context. The benefits include improved communication, efficiency, management, and decision-making.”²

UW Libraries Map Collection

The UW Libraries map collection is  part of the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) unit located in the ground floor of the iconic Suzzallo Library. The map collection comprises over 280,000 items in total (maps, digital data, aerial photography, monographs, etc.).

A strength of the collection is the nearly 100,000 aerial photographs of Washington State, dating between 1942-2003.

a screenshot of aerial maps from two different years
Compare aerial images of the same geographic area over time with tools like the Washington State Department of Ecology Shoreline Aerial Photos.

The map collection also serves as a provider of GIS services to campus. Map collection GIS staff include myself (Matt), Allison, a GIS Graduate Staff Assistant, and a Student Lab Assistant. Together we assist with data discovery and use, provide classroom instruction sessions, offer workshops, do minor software troubleshooting, and host events. To learn more about our services and collections, you can visit our Geospatial Data Resources Guide and our Map Collection web page.

For the past ten years, our team has hosted  the Annual UW GIS Symposium  to highlight and celebrate the transformational role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data visualization technologies across the University by featuring keynote speakers and short talks from the UW GIS faculty, students and staff. Each symposium is subsequently published as an Annual Proceedings and hosted on the Libraries’ Manifold platform.

We are looking forward to increasing the exposure of the UW Libraries map collection holdings through participation in the GIN and to continuing to contribute resources to Geoportal.

Learn more about the research institutions involved and the sources of the geospatial records.

1-sources: https://geo.btaa.org/  ; https://gin.btaa.org/about/guiding-principles/ ; https://geo.btaa.org/

2- https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview

Stories

November Update

October 29, 2025
graphic showing a medal of award of excellence
Recognize an outstanding librarian: Do you know a UW librarian who has been integral to your teaching, learning and research experience at UW?  Nominate them for the Distinguished Librarian Award by November 30! Learn more about the nomination process. 

November (aka the official start of sweater and soup season) has definitely arrived in the Pacific Northwest! By this time of year, your schedules have probably become routine, but there is always something new to discover at UW Libraries. Even though family weekend is over, our UW Family Trivia Contest runs through the end of the month. Visit our latest exhibits and register to attend the popular “Going Public” event as well as new Open Scholarship Labs and other free workshops throughout the month.  Please consider nominating an outstanding librarian for the 2026 UW Awards of Excellence. New students–don’t forget to read this helpful post: Top Ten Things I Wish I Knew My First Year, especially before finals! 

Operations Update

Due to unpredictable noise impacts from the Suzzallo Façade and Seismic project, the Smith Room will be closed through September 30, 2026. It may re-open earlier if work finishes ahead of schedule.

News and Stories

photo of KUOW interview
U.S. Documents Librarian Cass Hartnett talks about UW Libraries’ annual public Constitution reading.
  • Incoming ARL President: Dean of University Libraries, Simon Neame has been elected vice president/president-elect by the Association of Research Libraries.  His term as president will begin January 1, 2027. Read the announcement. 
  • KUOW/Seattle Now: U.S. Documents Librarian Cass Hartnett talks with KUOW’s Patricia Murphy about UW Libraries’ annual public Constitution reading. Listen to the interview

“Alaska Native Resilience” Garners Western History Association Awards

Congratulations to Holly Miowak Guise whose book Alaska Native Resilience: Voices from World War II , published by UW Press, was awarded three prizes from the Western History Association: the 2025 Robert G. Athearn Award for best book on the twentieth-century West, the 2025 John C. Ewers Award for best book on North American Indian Ethnohistory, and the 2025 Robert M. Utley Prize for best book on the military history of the frontier and western North America. Discover more 2025 award-winning books from UW Press.

  • UW Librarian, Faculty and undergraduate students collaborate to create a new digital archive dedicated to preserving feminist knowledge and stories at UW Bothell and Cascadia College Library. Read the story.

Featured Resource

bar chart showing different consumer products at different levels
Chart for illustrative purposes only, not an actual output from real data.

Dewey Data 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Funding ...NEW for the 2025-2026 academic year — Dewey Data! Imagine your research paper focuses on US consumer habits and you need to find out how many Frito Lay brand potato chips consumers purchased in all states. You can access consumer data sets like this, and many other types of data with Dewey Data! Provided by UW Libraries, Dewey is a research platform that provides access to third-party datasets across a variety of data categories including foot traffic, construction permits, healthcare, workforce, consumer behavior, and transportation. University of Washington faculty, students, and researchers are eligible for access and must register an individual account. Learn more.

Learning Workshops and Lectures

event graphic showing different icons that communicate harassment and the text/title of event

  • 11/17- Going Public: Navigating Online and Professional Harassment, Panel Discussion (In-Person) Join Emma Spiro, Katherine Cross, and Kate Starbird for a discussion on how scholars can continue to do meaningful, public-facing work while protecting their well-being, supporting their communities, and sustaining trust in research. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A and a brief reception.
  • 11/20- Scholar’s Studio:Come and see what your fellow students are researching! Hosted by the UW Libraries Research Commons and The Graduate School’s office of Graduate Student Affairs, Scholars’ Studio gives UW graduate students and postdoc students the opportunity to share their research across disciplines, make connections and build presentation skills. Scholar’s Studio features up to 10 short presentations (5 minutes each and includes a Q&A with presenters followed by a reception. Presenters receive feedback on their presentations through feedback forms distributed to audience members.  
First Wednesday Concert
Join us Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m:

Fun Fact

Did you know that UW Libraries and UW School of Music host a monthly lunchtime concert series? Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in the North Lobby of Allen Library to hear UW students perform a variety of music, live in the Library. Your cheese sandwich never felt so classy!

Be sure to check the calendar to confirm the performance schedule.

Exhibits

NEW

Out of Scope: Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections

Explore unexpected artifacts that have made their way into Special Collections!

Photo of vintage matchbook coversCultural organizations such as libraries, museums, and archives rely on a collection development strategy known as ‘scope‘ to shape their collections based on priorities outlined in their organization’s mission. Based on priorities outlined in their organization’s mission, the scope may center around a geographical focus, historical period, etc. Despite these guiding parameters, out-of-scope material inevitably makes its way into an organization’s collections. Out of Scope highlights unique and intriguing items found in Special Collections.

Right to Read: Banned books and the First Amendment- through– December 12
Location: ground floor Suzzallo Library: Our first amendment right protects our freedom of speech, but what about our freedom to read? The exhibit Right To Read: Banned books and the First Amendment discusses the complex nature of banned books in the United States. Learn more.

Orotone photograph of Mount Rainier and Mirror LakeThe Mountain is Out – Ongoing through Friday, Aug 28, 2026
Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)
Rainier, Tahoma, Nutselip… the mountain is known by many names. A Pacific Northwest icon, Mount Rainier holds a unique place in the region’s culture and lore. Its massive peak is the dominant land form on the horizon for more than a hundred miles in any direction, rising far above the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Beginning in the late 19th century, European and American visitors explored the area, and activism led to the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899.

paper making in ChinaFrom Brush to Type: The Evolution of Bookmaking in East Asia – through  Mar 31, 2026, Location: Gowen Hall (GWN)
This exhibit highlights rare works from the Tateuchi East Asia Library Special Collections, showcasing how innovations in papermaking, printing, and design across East Asia transformed the form of books and the cultures they shaped. Exhibit details

Save the Date

A New Web Site Is Coming! UW Libraries anticipates launching its new web site mid-December, during the interim session. A detailed announcement with expected changes and new features will be posted as soon as the launch date is confirmed. For the most recent updates, check/bookmark UW Libraries Operations Update page.

Get UW Libraries monthly news directly to your inbox! Sign-up for our blog!

Your Email:

Stories

Top Ten Things I Wish I Knew My First Year

October 29, 2025

UW Libraries are so much more than study space and books! Students often tell us they wish they had known more about Libraries’ services at the start of their UW journey. So check out these tips and remember, we’re here to help–just ASK US!

1.Librarians (humans) can help you find things that Google can’t.  Really. Also, Peer Educators provide student-to-student help on how best to navigate the Libraries’ vast resources and services.

2. Get help with digital and online content creation projects  (audio/video production, data visualization, data mapping and more!) through the Libraries’ Open Scholarship Commons!

3. 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!

4. Students never need to pay for an article. UW Libraries provides access to thousands of databases,  journals and books — online and through Interlibrary Loan. Be sure to bookmark the A-Z Databases guide on our website!6.

5. Visit the Odegaard Writing and Research Center… before you start a project. They can help you get started and save time!

6. The UW Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial is definitely worth your time, even if you are not a new student!

7. Interlibrary Loan can deliver materials from almost any Library worldwide!

8. You can chat with a librarian 24/7 for help online (like at 2AM when you can’t find something!)

9. There are 15 UW Libraries to study at and explore (including Bothell, Tacoma and Friday Harbor!)

10. Learn about different study and collaboration spaces:

  • You can reserve individual and group study spaces throughout the libraries.  Learn more.
  • Quick Zoom? Check out the Zoom pods, available on a first-come basis in many libraries (Suzzallo, Odegaard, Foster, and Engineering)
  • Need to record? Check out the fully-equipped Recording Studio in the Open Scholarship Commons, or  the Sound Studio/Media Lab in Odegaard– free to use for all students, faculty, and staff of the University of Washington and can be reserved on a first come, first serve basis

Bonus Tip: Libraries FREE Workshops and Events!
The Libraries offers all kinds of FREE workshops, special events and discussions all year long. Whether you are a first year student or a PhD, the Libraries can help you improve your research skills, connect with others and help you better navigate all the Libraries resources and tools. 

“I didn’t know that libraries and librarians are so resourceful and that it could be a good idea to have a chat with a librarian and go through library resources instead of struggling to find information on your own online. If I knew this earlier I would have made good use of it.” – undergrad survey response

To find out about Libraries events, bookmark the calendar, Follow us and/or subscribe to weekly calendar alerts.

More Tips:

UW Libraries Student Guide – a “one stop shop” of helpful links and resources

Preparing for Finals Week: Top 10 Tips for Success

7 Essential Tips for Research: Advice From a UW Librarian

Stories

Announcing UW Health Sciences Library Commons

October 6, 2025

You’re Invited! 

HSL Commons Open House

October 16, 2025 

11am-1pm

Stop by the new space for tours and light refreshments anytime between 1-3pm 

Guided tours start at 11:30 and 12:30pm

Husky Card Required To Enter Building

add to my calendar

UW’s Health Sciences Library (HSL) was established in 1949 to support the newly formed School of Medicine (founded in 1946). The library expanded into its current location in 1973, and over the years, the space has seen many transitions–from a collection of 52,000 physical volumes, to housing hundreds of baud terminals (the ancestor of modern computer terminals) and eventually, a small number of Macs and PCs, mostly used by Libraries’ staff. HSL’s first computer lab opened in 1987, significantly expanding access to desktop computers and electronic information for all users. Since then,  the HSL has continued to evolve, upgrade and add capacity with increased computers and seating, and spaces dedicated to collaborative work, teaching, presentations, and exams. For more than 75 years, the HSL has been a critical service to UW health sciences, especially when it comes to helping our communities – both on campus, and throughout the region, adapt to and access new pathways to electronic health information.

In 2025 HSL is evolving again with the opening of the newly remodeled Health Science Library Commons! Students, faculty and staff will enjoy a brand new lounge area for collaboration and study as well as a variety of new computer labs and classrooms designed for testing and teaching. 

 

In the HSL Commons Lounge, users will be able to study, eat, or just hang out and relax. There is comfortable seating for groups, round tables and a study “bar” window, all with plenty of outlets.

The lounge also has access to a keycard-accessible wellness room designed for individual use (prayer, rest, pumping, etc.) and an all-gender restroom.

The Commons is the first phase of a multi-year project that includes improvements to approximately 60,000 GSF distributed across classrooms, laboratories, offices, study, special use, general use, and building support for Health Sciences.

There are six different testing and classroom areas. The largest classroom has 115 seats, each equipped with desktop computers. The space can also be divided into two separate classrooms, each equipped with 85-inch monitors, cameras/soundbars and wireless content sharing and collaboration tools. The smaller rooms have seating ranging from 3-8 seats, all with desktop access. 

BEFORE

the old testing area with small tables, not all with computers

 AFTER

modern tables in rows, all fully equipped with tech, new carpet, walls, screens

the previous information desk in the HSL the new space design for comfortable seating and conversation

 

The changes to the HSL spaces over time have been quite significant, adapting to the needs of the research community, and creating a more welcoming, comfortable and tech-friendly experience for all users. The remodel effort, which began in Spring 2024 and was completed in September 2025, is the first phase of a multi-year project to advance inter-professional instruction and education technologies essential for supporting in-person experiential learning, distance and distributed learning, and meet current and future accreditation requirements for each of the Health Sciences schools. The project scope includes improvements to approximately 60,000 GSF distributed across classrooms, laboratories, offices, study, special use, general use, and building support covering Levels 2 through Level 7 of the Health Sciences Building . 

The Library is hosting an open house event on October 16, and all are welcome (with UW ID) to come and explore, mingle with colleagues and tour this amazing new space. We hope to see you there!

Learn more about the Commons 

###

Stories

October Update

September 23, 2025
campus map with many circles showing library locations
UW Libraries Self-Guided Tour. Did you know UW Libraries is a network of 15 different libraries – 13 on the Seattle campus? Take the tour to learn more!

Welcome, Huskies! Fall is in the air, campus is buzzing with activity, and UW Libraries is here to help you prepare for the first day of class and the year ahead!  Be sure to bookmark UW Libraries Self-Guided Tour as well as the helpful introductory Faculty Guide and Student Guides for great resources and tips on all the things you’ll want to know as a new, returning or graduating student. We hope you will join us for the 20th Annual Constitution Reading, a well-loved tradition with some new and special additions as well as Open Access Week events.  There are also some great new exhibits and an interesting line-up of learning workshops on open access, humanities data, efficient publishing and more. Have a fantastic first week back, and remember – if you have research questions, we have answers– just ASK US!

event graphic" Who Owns our knowledge?

International Open Access Week: Who Owns Our Knowledge? October 20 – 26

Join us for a series of events throughout the week, hosted by UW Libraries Open Scholarship Commons

News and Stories

13082025_Suzzallo Scaffold_02.jpgWhat’s happening around Suzzallo Library?: The covering around Suzzallo is due to a major seismic improvement project to preserve and protect the beloved campus icon, and ensure the building’s structural integrity and safety for the next 100 years.  Work is scheduled through August 2026.  More information and project updates.

gold award graphic with starsRecognize an outstanding librarian: Do you know a UW librarian who has been integral to your teaching, learning and research experience at UW?  Nominate them for the Distinguished Librarian Award by November 30! Learn more about the nomination process.

graphic: campus photos with text"Critical AI Literacy" New: Undergraduate Research TutorialFeatured Resource:

UW Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial has a new topic: Critical AI Literacy. This tutorial  supports students in critically reflecting on AI in personal, research and academic contexts, and investigates several guiding principles for developing AI Literacy. Relevant AI information has also been added to all Tutorial topics: Strategic reading; Evaluating information; Information sources & databases; Search skills & strategies; Citation practices; Publishing & sharing research and Finding your balance.

Community Events and Exhibits

photos of a girl playing a piano and people watching a concert with "!st Wednesday @UW Libraries textFirst Wednesday Concert Series, Allen Library, October 1,  12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Students of the UW School of Music perform in this lunchtime concert series co-hosted by UW Music and UW Libraries.

images of study spaces and classrooms with an "open house" signNEW SPACE: Health Sciences Library Commons – Open House/Tours, October 16, 11AM-1PM – Stop by and explore the newly renovated HSL Commons!  Walk through this beautiful new space with areas for  study, collaboration and relaxation, in addition to a remodeled testing center with multiple technology-rich classrooms open for reservations.  Two tours start at 11:30 and 12:30, light refreshments/snacks on hand. Add to calendar

Tadoku Club, Tateuchi East Asia Library, Every Thursday 2-3 PM- Tateuchyi Library image in background Tadoku Club text in frontTadoku Club is a reading group for Japanese language learners of all levels. Participants choose books at their own level from the “easy reads” collection and enjoy reading independently in a supportive environment. The club offers a relaxed setting to build confidence, improve reading skills, and share the joy of reading with others.

New Exhibits

Right to Read: Banned books and the First AmendmentRight to Read: Banned books and the First Amendment- through– December 12
Location: ground floor Suzzallo Library: Our first amendment right protects our freedom of speech, but what about our freedom to read? The exhibit Right To Read: Banned books and the First Amendment discusses the complex nature of banned books in the United States. Learn more.

Orotone photograph of Mount Rainier and Mirror LakeThe Mountain is Out – Ongoing through Friday, Aug 28, 2026
Location: Allen Library (ALB), Special Collections (Basement level)
Rainier, Tahoma, Nutselip… the mountain is known by many names. A Pacific Northwest icon, Mount Rainier holds a unique place in the region’s culture and lore. Its massive peak is the dominant land form on the horizon for more than a hundred miles in any direction, rising far above the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Beginning in the late 19th century, European and American visitors explored the area, and activism led to the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899.

paper making in ChinaFrom Brush to Type: The Evolution of Bookmaking in East Asia – through  Mar 31, 2026, Location: Gowen Hall (GWN)
This exhibit highlights rare works from the Tateuchi East Asia Library Special Collections, showcasing how innovations in papermaking, printing, and design across East Asia transformed the form of books and the cultures they shaped. Exhibit details

***WORKSHOP***Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Based on the Tateuchi East Asia Library’s fall special collections exhibit curated by our librarians, this workshop offers a rare, close-up look at manuscripts, woodblock prints, and movable type books. Participants will explore the techniques and innovations that shaped book culture in China, Japan, and Korea. Learn more and register.

a featured artwork , multicoloredPerpetuate – Oct 1 – Friday, Nov 7
Location: Allen Library (ALB)
“Perpetuate” is an installation by artist  Lucia Hwang that explores the persistence of human history and memory through the lens of discarded media and ancient symbolism. Constructed using recycled CDs and VHS tapes—once powerful tools of documentation and storytelling. More on this exhibit.

Learning Workshops and Office Hours

The Humanities Data Exploration Workshop Series: From Foundations to Practice (Series Kick-Off)
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This series is designed for the data-curious in the humanities. Join this yearlong workshop series that builds your data skills step by step. Across quarterly sessions, participants move from basic concepts to applied practices in a supportive, hands-on environment. Event details.

a graphic with a microphone: "Storytelling Fellows Free Podcasting workshop"Storytelling Fellows: Podcasting online workshop
4 sessions: October 17 to November 7
Curious about what you can do with a podcast? Open to UW  graduate student/faculty/staff members, this hands-on program is designed to highlight the interests and accomplishments of UW community members, using digital-storytelling skills and technologies. This totally free, four-week online program will take fellows through the start-to-finish process of envisioning and creating a podcast suitable for an online portfolio, professional presentation, or academic project. Event details

 

Fun Fact: 

Q: How many instruction sessions do UW Librarians teach each year?

classroom in the Open Scholarship Commons

A: 681 sessions reach over 17,000 students!! 

Learn more: 2025 fact sheet

Save the Date

OSC Public Scholarship Lab: Publish & Protect Your Research in a Flash with Manifold (Online)
Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

OSC Public Scholarship Lab: Exploring Research and Teaching with Humap (In-Person)
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Missed It?

Stories and news from previous updates:

chill and recharge area at TEAL

New “Chill” Space in the Tateuchi East Asia Library: The Tateuchi East Asia Library is pleased to introduce the Chill & Recharge Area, a comfortable space on the main floor designed to support student well-being. There is comfy seating, relaxed lighting and access to the growing collection of graphic novels, including Korean webtoons and Japanese manga. Stop by the new space (Gowan Hall 3rd floor) to take a break, relax, and reset—no reservation needed!

photo of two students sitting in front of professional microphones in the new recording studio

New Recording Studio!

Located near the Open Scholarship Commons on the first floor of Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, the new recording studio supports creativity and collaboration for all types of audio-visual projects. Watch the video to learn more.

Get UW Libraries monthly news directly to your inbox! Sign-up for our blog!

Your Email:

Stories

Preservation Internship Spotlight

September 9, 2025

2025 Rare Book and Library Materials Conservation Intern, Hadley Nelson   

I had a fantastic summer immersing myself in the work of the UW Libraries Conservation Center, carrying out treatments and learning about the specialties and responsibilities of each team member. I am especially grateful for the mentorship of Senior Conservator Leith Calcote, who provided daily lessons and guidance. I was first introduced to materials, tools, and terminology used in bookbinding and in book and paper conservation, and I created models of sewing structures.  

For my internship projects, Leith selected ten books from all over the world of various binding styles and materials, each between 100 – 260 years old. These books demonstrated different types of damage typical of aging books, and we met with curators to develop a treatment plan based on the individual needs and future use of each book. We performed repairs of increasing complexity, each new treatment building on previous methods. Different projects involved an introduction to additional processes such as digitization, papermaking, preparing adhesives, making book cloth, toning paper, and building custom enclosures.  

I finished the internship with an expanded understanding of the role Preservation serves in the library system and the university, and the role of a book conservator in this setting. I also completed the internship with more confidence and hope as I pursue conservation, thanks to a supportive team and fascinating projects. It’s exciting to know that because I spent some time learning from them, a few books previously too brittle to touch are now stronger and safer than before, that students and scholars will be able to handle them and learn from them in the future.  

______________________________________________________

Hadley Nelson is from the Seattle area and began bookbinding in 2011. She received a BA in Art Practice from Stanford University, where she made artists’ books and paintings, studied art in Paris and Bhutan, and worked in the university’s art library and special collections. In 2019, she studied museology and exhibition design in London through Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Since returning, she has interned with private practice conservators in Seattle and Portland, working on treatments of sculptures, architectural features, murals, and objects. In the fall, she will begin a year-long internship in the conservation department of the Seattle Art Museum. 

image of Hadley working with specialized equipment