1. Use local resources first. Take advantage of your school and public libraries. Many of these have specialized history sources specifically for K12 students.


2. Arrange for your school librarian to give your students an introduction to basic research skills. Many students find the UW Libraries overwhelming so it is best to prepare students prior to visiting.
    
3. Have students review the Choosing a Topic page for tips on findng a workable topic and fill out a History Day Topic Information Worksheet. Students should bring the worksheet with them on their visit so that library staff can better help them with their research.


4. Have students Find books @ UW Libraries before visiting campus. Students should come to campus with a list of book titles with library locations and call numbers. Use optional handout for the list.
   
   Teachers with borrower's cards should request that items in storage (locations are Auxilliary Stacks and Baker Auxilliary Stacks) or housed in other campus libraries (Odegaard, Health Sciences, etc.) be delivered to the Suzzallo Circulation Desk so that students can use them -- place your request at least 2 days in advance.
    
5. Have students review the Primary Source Starting Points pages and scan the page that fits the century of their topic. Databases are grouped by century: 20th, 19th, 17th & 18th, and premodern (ancient & medieval).
   
   Students can also fill out the appropriate checklist handout that accompanies each page of primary source collections to bring with them on visit to campus: 20th, 19th, and 17th & 18th centuries. Students working on earlier periods should rely on UW Libraries Search and come prepared with a list of books.

See the Special Collections K-12 Visitors page if you plan to bring your students to use material in Special Collections.

These handouts and worksheets may be useful for your students as they prepare for their campus visit. 

For additional information on making a campus visit, see the UW Visitor Information page.

When to visit:

• Check our hours before visiting. Most libraries are closed on Saturdays and smaller libraries are closed on Sundays as well.
• Husky cards (current UW students, staff and faculty) are required to enter some UW Libraries: Odegaard Undergraduate, Health Sciences Library & Gallagher Law Library.
• Avoid Husky football days.

Using Special Collections:

• Individual appointments are required to use Special Collections materials in-person.
• Appointments can also be booked for the Virtual Reading Room (VRR). During a VRR appointment, library staff use a document camera to show you material over zoom.

Printing & Downloading:

• Guest computers are limited. Have students bring laptops and ask for guest wifi access from an Info Desk.
• Bring a flash drive for downloading articles.
• Students will need to buy a DawgPrints card to print.

Getting Help: 

• Students can ask for help at any Help desk. Staff there can get them started on their research and answer questions.
• 24/7 chat help is also available.

Getting Here:

• The UW campus is large. Check out the campus map and plan your visit.
• Parking is expensive on campus -- take the light rail instead.
• Coming by school bus? See Group Tours Bus Parking Information.

All Washington State teachers are eligible for free borrowing privileges at the UW Libraries. To get a borrower’s card, submit a letter stating your need to use the UW Libraries’ collection on official school letterhead. Post, bring or fax the letter to:

Library Account Services
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA 98195-2900
Phone: 206-543-1174
Fax: 206-685-6972
Email: libaccts@uw.edu