University of Washington Libraries
The University of Washington Libraries (UW Libraries) serves as the comprehensive academic library system for the University of Washington. Based in Seattle, Washington, this expansive network supports the university's mission of teaching, learning, research, and service across its Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell campuses, as well as the Friday Harbor Laboratories.
Established in 1861, the system has grown into the largest collection of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, closely followed by the University of British Columbia Library. Its prestige is reflected in its rankings; as of 2012, its 7.2 million volumes placed it 19th among all libraries in the United States. Furthermore, the system was honored with the 2004 "Excellence in Academic Libraries Award" from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).
Key Facts
- Established: 1861
- Total Collection: Over 9 million items (as of 2018)
- Digital Assets: 1 million e-books and 180,000 e-journals
- Multimedia: 923,000 maps, videos, and other multimedia materials
- Staffing: 70 subject librarians
- Scope: 16 branches serving multiple campuses
Collection and Specialized Resources
The UW Libraries house a diverse array of materials, ranging from traditional books and journals to millions of microforms and thousands of maps. Beyond print, the system provides extensive electronic resources via its website to facilitate global research.
Special Collections and Cultural Preservation
A standout feature of the system is its commitment to cultural preservation. The special collections include over 3,000 audio recordings of indigenous languages from the Pacific Northwest, documenting more than 50 native dialects.
The Music Listening Center
The Music Listening Center preserves rare auditory history, featuring specialized archives such as the Eric Offenbacher Collection of pre-LP Mozart vocal recordings, the Hazel B. Kinsella Collection of American hymnals, the Melville Harris Collection of early woodwind disc and cylinder recordings, and various 17th and 18th-century opera scores.
Library Structure and Branches
The system is organized into several primary hubs and numerous specialized branches to cater to different academic disciplines.
Primary Hubs
- Suzzallo and Allen Libraries: The central locations for the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
- Odegaard Undergraduate Library (OUGL): Home to the Odegaard Learning Commons, specifically designed for undergraduate support.
- Health Sciences Library and Information Center (HSLIC): Dedicated to medical and health research.
- Tateuchi East Asia Library: Specialized resources for East Asian studies.
Specialized Branch Libraries
The system includes 15 specialized branches, including the Art Library, Drama Library, Foster Business Library, and the Engineering Library. Notably, the Engineering Library serves as a national depository for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a designated Patent and Trademark Depository Library, holding U.S. patent specifications from 1966 to the present.
While integrated into the university ecosystem, the Marian G. Gallagher Law Library and the Elisabeth C. Miller Library are administered separately from the main UW Libraries system.
Services and Accessibility
While primarily serving UW students, faculty, and staff, the libraries welcome visitors and global researchers. Available services include:
- Research Tools: Library catalog, reference services, and interlibrary loans for document delivery.
- Facilities: Computing, copying, printing, and ADA-compliant access for persons with disabilities.
- Academic Support: Instructional services and grants/funding information.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Items | 9+ Million |
| Digital Content | 1M e-books, 180K e-journals |
| Regional Status | Largest in Pacific Northwest |
| Key Campuses Served | Seattle, Tacoma, Bothell, Friday Harbor |
| Specialized Staff | 70 Subject Librarians |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the University of Washington Libraries?
The libraries primarily serve UW students, faculty, and staff. However, visitors are welcome to use most resources and many of the services, and global researchers can access materials through interlibrary loans.
What makes the Engineering Library unique?
The Engineering Library is a designated Patent and Trademark Depository Library and a national depository for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), providing access to U.S. patent specifications dating back to 1966.
How many items are in the UW Libraries collection?
As of 2018, the collection consists of more than 9 million items, which includes 1 million e-books, 180,000 e-journals, and 923,000 multimedia materials such as maps and videos.
Does the library preserve indigenous history?
Yes, the special collections hold over 3,000 audio recordings documenting more than 50 native dialects of Pacific Northwest indigenous languages.
Which libraries are not part of the main UW Libraries administration?
The Marian G. Gallagher Law Library and the Elisabeth C. Miller Library are administered separately from the main UW Libraries system.