UW Libraries Student Guide

An introduction to UW Libraries with answers to many common student questions.

NEW RESOURCE REMINDER

Did you know-- through UW Libraries, all students have FREE access to The New York Times and Wall Street Journal digital editions!? Also, be sure to check out the new pods in Odegaard Undergraduate Library-- perfect for that Zoom call!

HOURS AND ACCESS TO LIBRARY SPACES

• Hours: Always check library building hours before you go! Hours for some libraries may fluctuate due to quarterly interims, staffing changes or other reasons.
• Library Access:
  • Most campus libraries are open to UW and the public; however, a current, valid Husky Card is required for entry to Odegaard Undergraduate Library and the Health Sciences Library, which are UW Only.
  • For more information about getting or replacing your Husky Card, contact the Husky Card Office.

NEW STUDENTS

• Early Online Access: New students have access to UW Libraries' online resources approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the quarter.
• Book & Materials Check-out: Your Husky Card is your Library Card and is required to check out materials. If UW Libraries doesn't have what you need, you can request it from another institution through Interlibrary Loan - check it out!
• Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew My First Year: Bookmark this blog post for quick access to this guide and many other helpful resources:!
• Take a virtual tour through the UW Libraries!

GET HELP

From support for digital content creation to research and writing help, UW Libraries provides all kinds of amazing services that can help you succeed: Online or in person- #YourUWLibrary is here for you!

• Chat live 24/7 with a librarian: You can email us, or chat with a librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from home.
• Peer Research Consultants (students just like you!) and Subject Librarians (experts on finding materials related to specific research) are available for in-person, phone, email, or Zoom consultations.
• Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial -- BEFORE your first research project explore this helpful online tutorial for all levels of student experience, you’ll thank us later! 
• Odegaard Writing and Research Center librarians and peer consultants provide guidance with all stages of the research process, including defining a research question, exploring background information, and finding sources. Writing tutors can help you with writing assignments at any phase of your process.  Book an online or in-person consultation.
• Get help with digital and online content creation projects (audio/video software, data visualization, and mapping) through the Libraries’ Open Scholarship Commons

STUDY SPACE (FINDING AND RESERVING SPACE)

• Students are welcome at all 16 UW Libraries locations! Most libraries are located on the Seattle campus, but we also have locations at UW Tacoma, UW Bothell, and even on Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands! 
• Individual and group study spaces are available in all libraries. Many locations have group study rooms available by reservation on a first come, first served basis, beginning two weeks in advance.  
• The Research Commons is a great space for group study and collaboration with comfortable seating, whiteboards, tech-enabled meeting rooms and more. 

• Start with UW Scout™ to find campus study spaces, food/eating venues, and tech items that meet your specific criteria.

COMPUTERS, PRINTING, AND WIFI

• Odegaard Library has the largest computer lab on campus and every library has computers for student use. Log in with your UW NetID and password to access Macs and PCs with a range of software (depending on location).
• Printing is available from library computers or via mobile printing in the Libraries, and you pay for printing using your Husky Card. You can add money to your Husky Card using the MyUW portal. (Printing is managed by Dawg Prints.)
• The UW Student Technology Loan Program allows currently registered UW Seattle students to borrow laptops, projectors, cameras, and more at no additional cost (paid for by the Student Technology Fee). Pick-up locations include Kane Hall, the HUB, and the Health Sciences Building.
• Wi-Fi: The Eduroam network at UW is the preferred secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network for use in any UW building.
• More info: IT at the UW Student Quick-Start Guide and UW Libraries accessibility.

TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER COURSE MATERIALS

• Online and physical materials (books and media) are available through the Libraries.
• When you get your reading list for each quarter, do a Course Reserves search to see if a print or electronic copy of your textbook is already available. If not, you can submit a student-driven course reserve request for required course materials
• Many course textbooks that are on physical reserve are held in Odegaard Undergraduate Library. Reserve materials can be checked out for a limited amount of time, usually 2 or 4 hours. 

BOOK CLUBS and READING RECCOMENDATIONS

One of the biggest benefits of leisure reading "just for fun" is reduced academic stress!  When you choose to read books you enjoy, you’ll probably be more motivated to take regular breaks from your academic work, helping you focus and also avoid burnout.  Whether you are looking for a book recommendation, or opportunities to meet others , UW Libraries has you covered!

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

UW Libraries staff are working with departments and programs across campus to make sure students have what they need to succeed, and your input is needed to help us understand what you need and how we can improve. Let us know: What can we do to help? What services are most helpful to you? What’s not working for you? Share your ideas and feedback with the UW Libraries Undergraduate Student Success team via email.

Have a question? Just ASK US!