A message from the Dean on UW Libraries Response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dear UW Libraries users and community members,
In response to the local outbreak of the novel coronavirus outbreak in our community, the UW Libraries continues to work in close partnership with the University and our campus partners to take the necessary steps to protect and safeguard our community. The safety and wellbeing of our UW Libraries users and staff is our upmost priority.
Taking into consideration the public health recommendations for social distancing and potential reduced staff capacity in the short-term, the UW Libraries will change its operating hours as follows until further notice:
Seattle Campus
This weekend: Saturday/Sunday March 7th and 8th:
- Suzzallo and Allen Libraries will be open Saturday: 1pm-5pm and Sunday 1pm-10pm
- Odegaard Library: Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-10pm
- Other Branches: Regular Weekend Hours
Monday 3/9 (going forward until further notice):
- All locations other than the Health Science Library will be open Interim hours. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, and will be closed on weekends until further notice.
Health Sciences Library will operate Monday through Friday 7:30am-6pm and will be closed on weekends until further notice. Students who have after hours access to the library will still be able to come in 24/7.
UW Bothell Library: Interim hours starting Monday - See UW Bothell web site for most current information
UW Tacoma Library: New hours begin Monday 3/9: M-F: 8am-5pm Weekends: 9am-5pm. See branch web site for most current information
Additional updates to Libraries operations will be posted on our web site home page and social media channels as they are updated. As some of the most highly utilized public spaces on campus, the Libraries are a natural hub for our campus community to meet, study and access research materials. It is our goal to maintain operations as much as possible while mitigating the risk to users.
During this time, we encourage users to utilize the many remote services available as much as possible. Many resources are available electronically and Libraries staff are available 24/7 to help users navigate search and other remote tools to access materials and services.
A dedicated web page outlining remote resources and services is now available.
In addition, UW Libraries encourages all staff and users to review and follow the guidance and information provided by UW and Public Health – as outlined on the UW Novel Coronavirus Information Page. Most importantly, we highly encourage users to adhere to the guidance of frequent hand-washing, especially when visiting the Libraries and using public resources like computer workstations.
In addition, the Libraries is following the enhanced protocols from UW Environmental Health and Safety for increased cleaning procedures across all of our locations. Following public health guidelines, we ask that anyone (staff or users) experiencing any symptoms of illness stay home, as well as those within vulnerable populations.
We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation and flexibility as we navigate this evolving situation, and we will continue to post new information on our web site and other communications channels as updates occur.
Sincerely,
Lizabeth (Betsy) Wilson
Vice Provost for Digital Initiatives and Dean of University Libraries