Home / About the Libraries / News Events Exhibits / News & Announcements / University of Washington Libraries announces additional closures; Odegaard Library to remain open with limited access

University of Washington Libraries announces additional closures; Odegaard Library to remain open with limited access

March 13, 2020

The University of Washington Libraries announced today that all Seattle campus libraries —except Odegaard Undergraduate Library — will close to the public effective Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29.

To support students who may not otherwise have access to technology needed to complete exams, the Odegaard Undergraduate Library will operate on a limited-service basis  with access restricted to the 2nd  floor computer lab and service points only. Academic Technologies staff will also continue to offer teaching support consultations to faculty.

The decision to close to the public was made in conjunction with the University leadership and in consideration of current public health guidelines and recommendations for the practice of social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The health and well-being of our staff and users is our priority. By closing these public spaces, we want to encourage students to practice the recommended strategies for social distancing and utilize online collaboration tools available for group study,” said Lizabeth (Betsy) Wilson, vice provost for digital initiatives and dean of University Libraries. “While the University remains open, equitable access to Libraries resources is also important, especially for students who rely on Libraries workstations to complete coursework for this quarter,” said Wilson.

UW Libraries will continue to work in partnership with the University leadership to assess operational plans for spring quarter based on continued coordination and guidance from UW and Public Health – Seattle & King County.

While Libraries buildings are closed to the public, Libraries staff — many of whom are already working remotely, continue to provide a range of online services and support to facilitate research and learning through the end of the quarter. The Libraries also plans to roll out a new service for print materials to enable users to continue to check out physical materials.

As previously announced, all Libraries will be closed on weekends until further notice.

For continued updates and a complete list of resources, visit the Libraries Coronavirus Updates and Resources webpage:www.lib.washington.edu/coronavirus