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Social Work Library

The Social Work Library is a branch of the Health Sciences Libraries, serving the UW School of Social Work. The library is located on the second floor of the Social Work/Speech & Hearing Sciences Building at the University of Washington.

The library's collection contains over 100 current periodicals, 40,000 bound volumes, and a host of electronic resources covering the various areas of social work and social welfare, specifically, aging, children & youth, crime, ethnicity, families, health care, housing, mental health, poverty, social policy, and welfare. Materials can be found in the UW Libraries Catalog with the shelving location of SocWk.

Regular Academic Hours

Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For Interim, Holiday, and Summer Hours

Services

  • Databases

    Search PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and other databases from HealthLinks Databases.

  • Reference

    If you need to consult with a librarian please send email to swl@u.washington.edu or call 206-685-2180.

  • User Education

    Orientations, library computer classes, and course-related instruction can be arranged with the librarian. For specific classes see HSL Classes and Tours .

  • Circulation

    A valid UW ID Card (Husky card) is required to check out library materials. Individuals or groups not affiliated with UW may qualify for a borrower's card, see Services for Visitors.
Loan Periods
  Books Journals
Faculty, Graduates End of quarter 3 days – single or unbound issues
Staff, Undergraduates 4 weeks Bound issues do not circulate
Off-campus borrowers 4 weeks

Except for Reserve and Summit items, all circulating items have unlimited renewals. You may renew in person, by phone, via email or on the web.

All items are also subject to hold and/or recall, please check library notices for due date changes.

  • Reserves

    Required and/or supplementary readings for courses can be found in the library. These readings have varying loan periods and are available first-come, first-served. Return reserve materials to the circulation counter where it was checked out; or when the library is closed to the book drop. Do not let reserve materials become overdue. Fines are $2.50 for the first hour, then 50¢ per additional hour up to $30.

    Some materials will also be available as e-reserves. For details, please consult the library staff.

  • Document Services

    Order request for items not available at the UW Libraries can be made here.

  • Public Terminals

    Two public access terminals available. Signup for temporary NetID. Please limit use to one hour.

  • Photocopiers

    Two self-service copiers available. Purchase Dawg-print cards for $5.

  • Study Rooms

    Several study rooms available—three group study, five individual, and one disabled student room. Group study rooms can be reserved for 2 hours per day, 2 weeks in advance. Please consult the library staff for more information.

Resources