GW Libraries and Academic Innovation (LAI) provides many of the services and resources you need to be successful in your teaching, learning and research endeavors. Libraries that are part of LAI include the flagship Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library on the main campus in Foggy Bottom, Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon Campus in Northwest DC, and the Virginia Science And Technology Library (VSTC Library) on the Virginia Science & Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and part of the Washington Research Libraries Consortium (WRLC).

LAI provides support for education and research by meeting both faculty and student needs for success. At the core of libraries is support for research. As faculty take their research to the classroom, LAI manages and supports the virtual learning environment. As students translate their coursework into practical experience, LAI supports development and deeper exploration of their skills, preparing students for their careers and future research.

We are here to help you succeed with your academic pursuits. For support with teaching, instructional technology, and online course development visit the  Center for Teaching Excellence. You can explore digital creativity with our CREATE Digital Studio, located on the 1st floor of Gelman Library, where our professional staff will help you with your multimedia projects. Check out our workshops, get tutoring help, attend a review session, or ask any question related to education or research through Academic Commons. 

Our research librarians can help with your research, including data management and coding; just schedule an appointment for a research consultation. For undergraduates interested in getting involved in research or seeking fellowship opportunities, contact our team in the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research.  Our specialized, archival, and international materials provide access to rare and unique materials, including our Global Resources Center. There’s so much to explore and we welcome you to take advantage of the many resources that LAI offers.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key values for GW and for Libraries and Academic Innovation, but we know that we do not yet fully live these values. We acknowledge the mistakes and inequities of the past and we strive to learn from them, to know better, and to do better. We are committed to becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.

We are here to help the GW community! If you have questions, please Ask Us in person or by phone, chat or email.