UW Libraries - Services for Vistors

Welcome to the University of Washington Libraries, the premier research library in the Pacific Northwest. Most of the Libraries' research collections and tools are available for your use on site. The primary clientele of the UW Libraries are current UW students, staff and faculty.
For those planning school visits see Services for K-12.

Free Services

Take advantage of the wide range of free research services and tools provided by the Libraries:

Collections - everyone is welcome to visit the UW Libraries and use our books, journals and most other materials on site. See specific libraries for more information.
Library Events & Exhibits - displays and exhibits are presented in a number of libraries.
Reference Help - librarians are available to help you in each library and via email and chat. See Contact the UW Libraries for information.
Research Databases - a limited number of research workstations provide access to research databases. Off-campus access to UW restricted databases and resources is not available to visitors, however local public libraries offer remote access to many of the same databases and resources.
Tours - self-guided and audio tours are available for some libraries.
UW Libraries Catalog - search the catalog from off-campus.
UW Libraries Digital Collections - view historic photographs and documents.
Wireless - temporary UW NetIDs are available for visitors to use the wireless network. Ask at any service desk for information.

Fee-Based Services

These library services require payment of a fee:

Borrowing Books - borrowing privileges are available for:
- Friends of the Libraries scholar level members
- UW Alumni Association members
- Others
Document Delivery - copies of UW materials are available on a cost-recovery basis. We cannot borrow books or obtain documents from other libraries for visitors. See Services and Costs for non-UW Clients for more information.
Photocopying - self-service copy machines are available in most libraries.

Visiting the Seattle Campus

General information about campus visits:

Services for Visitors

Free Services

Fee-Based Services

Visiting the Seattle Campus