Libraries Services & Resources
The University of Washington Libraries is actually a network of 16 different libraries on the three UW campuses (plus San Juan Island). We strongly recommend that new graduate students visit their campus' library website to get familiar with the basic tools and functions of the UW Libraries.
- UW Libraries Seattle Links to an external site.
- UW Tacoma Library
- UW Bothell Library Links to an external site.
- UW Health Sciences Library
Despite each campus library having a separate website, the UW Libraries' catalog is the same on each site -- and grad students can check out material from any UW campus or branch library with their NetID (online items) or Husky Card (physical items).
UW Libraries Search
UW Libraries Search is the main search tool for discovering materials in the UW Libraries and Summit (non-UW) Libraries' collections, including some of our research databases. It functions as the UW Libraries' catalog -- but can also be used to discover materials in many different formats and online databases using a single search box. Search results can be easily filtered based on availability, campus, format, language, publication date, and more.
Learn more on the UW Libraries Search FAQ.
Research Guides
To jump-start your research, start with the Research Guides. These are a collection of informational web pages created to help you find and use library-provided resources and services. They are a starting point for finding journal articles, books, data, and more. Each guide is compiled around a specific discipline or field and will lead you to a subject librarian.
You can start browsing the research guides by subject using the menu below or by visiting the Research Guide subject list.
- UW Seattle Research Guides
- UW Tacoma Research Guides
- UW Bothell Research Guides
- UW Health Sciences Research Guides
Subject Librarians
A subject librarian is your personal guide to the UW Libraries. They are responsible for purchasing library materials, providing reference help and consultations, and instructing UW students in the research tools and methods of each discipline. You can find your subject librarian attached to the research guides listed above. Or you can find a librarian by their subject expertise at Seattle, Tacoma, Bothell Links to an external site., and Health Sciences.
Start getting to know your librarian early on, as they can help you at every step of the way in your research journey. Not sure how to start a conversation with your librarian? It's ok to not have a question. Here are some ways librarians can help you with your research process:
- Identifying databases, journals, and resources relevant to your research
- Finding helpful search strategies
- Brainstorming and developing a topic, thesis, or research question
- Evaluating materials for multiplicity of perspective and voice
- Referring you to campus resources for funding and professional development
- Managing your data and citations