UW Libraries Faculty Guide

Updated 1/5/2023

UW Libraries offers a wide range of teaching and research support, tools, and resources. This guide provides a basic overview of services and resources. When in doubt, ASK US. We’re here to help!

New Resource Reminder

The New York Times digital edition AND Wall Street Journal are  available for all current UW  students, staff and faculty via UW Libraries. See also the New in 2022 Guide for a summary of other recently added resources (new databases, subscriptions, etc).

Textbooks and Course Materials (including Course Reserves)

• We offer numerous online UW collections, including e-books, journal articles, and streaming media; and encourage you to consider open educational resources (OER)/open textbooks.
• Beyond robust online options, the Libraries Course Reserves service provides access to physical materials (course readings and media) for classes, by instructor request.
• This Course Materials FAQ outlines additional options for instructors for providing access to course materials.
• Can’t find what you need for your course in existing UW collections? Consult your subject librarian or fill out the Course Reserve Request Form and we will respond promptly.

Teaching Support

• The Libraries provides teaching support including numerous asynchronous online workshop modules and videos you can embed into your course, covering topics like undergraduate research skills; library research sessions tailored to your course; and connections to campus partners focused on pedagogy and teaching technology.
• Libraries Open Scholarship Commons (OSC): We can help you design and integrate open scholarship tools and concepts (e.g. podcasts, digital exhibits, data and copyright management and more) into any classroom setting. [See also Research Tools below.]
• Workshops: The Libraries offers numerous workshops to support faculty.  From research and data management to open publishing, citation management and much more, check the Libraries Calendar, and/or subscribe to receive weekly summary of all Libraries events HERE.
• Canvas:.Contact your subject librarian for help adding custom library content to a Canvas course

Research Tools

UW Libraries provides support for a number of tools that can help you throughout the research lifecycle, including data management, rights management, data visualization, digital publishing, scholarly profile development, and more. Get help and access to all of the available tools through the Libraries’ Open Scholarship Commons.

Subject Librarians

Our subject librarians are happy to assist with Libraries collections needs for research and teaching, and can provide tailored information sessions and individual and group consultations for students. In their roles they can also:

• Purchase books and other material
• Create a webpage or Canvas module tailored to your class assignment
• Answer questions via email, phone, or Zoom
• Act as a liaison in communicating your department's concerns and needs to Libraries Administration

Subject librarians also create and maintain disciplinary Research Guides.

Collections

• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) can obtain materials from almost any Library worldwide.
• Delivery of UW-requested and ILL materials to campus mailboxes is available.
• Requests for new titles: We continue to welcome requests for new titles for the Libraries’ collections, which are referred to the appropriate subject librarian for review.
• Special Collections is open to UW and the public, by appointment only M-F, and remote viewing via the virtual reading room.

Operations

• The Libraries Operations Updates (highlighted and linked at the top of our home page)  will always have the most up-to-date news and information on current hours, operations (i.e. mask policies) and available services.
• Odegaard Undergraduate Library and the Health Sciences Library are open only to current UW students, faculty, and staff, and a current valid Husky Card is required for entry.