The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and Wiley have renewed its open access agreement for 2026–2027. The full Wiley Online Library of journals remains available, and unlimited publishing in Wiley’s hybrid OA journals at no cost extends through Dec. 31, 2027.  

With this new agreement, there is a limited allocation for publishing in Wiley’s gold OA journals. Articles submitted by University of Iowa corresponding authors to Wiley’s gold OA journals by Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, are guaranteed to be covered by the agreement. After this date, authors will need to seek funding support from other sources.  

The Scholarly Impact Department at the UI Libraries is here to help authors navigate the changes, and please reach out to Director Sara Scheib for assistance. 

The Wiley agreement is one of the open access agreements the UI Libraries participates in as part of its commitment to support Open Access.  

Two University of Iowa Libraries staff members were honored for their contributions to the organization during an awards reception in spring 2026. The recipients were selected by a committee, which reviewed nominations submitted by their colleagues.

Amy McBeth, library assistant IV
Rita Benton Music Library
Distinguished Service Award

Amy McBeth’s dedication to the Rita Benton Music Library and its patrons is unmatched, according to her nominator. The review committee also praised her strong ethics, resourcefulness, and commitment to excellence, noting her ability to find answers to complex inquiries and her role as a champion for student workers. McBeth’s leadership sets a high bar for resilience and kindness, creating an environment where students thrive.

McBeth’s nominator and student testimonials reveal her profound impact on those she mentors. She trains students not only in library operations but also in professional skills and empathy, offering guidance that extends beyond graduation. Her care for students, especially those far from home, has fostered confidence and success in their academic and personal lives, and her blend of expertise and compassion leaves a legacy at the Music Library and beyond, according to her nominator.

The Distinguished Service Award celebrates a Libraries Merit staff member recognized by their peers who shows initiative, promotes a service mindset, values collaboration, and demonstrates respectful and inclusive behavior. The recipient leads by example, is compassionate, and champions opportunities, making a difference to their colleagues, their work, or community.

Mary Margaret Thomas, clinical education librarian
Hardin Library for the Health Sciences
Early Career Award

Mary Margaret Thomas has quickly distinguished herself at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences through adaptability, collaboration, and professional growth, according to her nominator. The review committee also noted her evolution into a trusted colleague who delivers tailored instruction, co‑teaches courses, and contributes to scholarship. Her initiative and versatility make her an invaluable member of the team.

Her nominators highlighted achievements that go beyond expectations for an early career librarian. Thomas earned the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) Systematic Review Services Specialization, conducts rigorous searches, and co‑authored a review accepted for publication. She expanded her teaching portfolio and developed Mental Health First Aid training and toolkits that benefit both staff and students. These contributions reflect Thomas’ commitment to advancing research, instruction, and community well-being—hallmarks of an outstanding early career professional.

The Early Career Award celebrates a Libraries P&S staff member recognized by their peers for demonstrated exceptional accomplishment(s) through competency, initiative, and creativity. This award is for early career professional Libraries staff members and mirrors the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence.

Miles Dietz-Castel has been named the 2025 recipient of the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence in recognition. Dietz-Castel’s nominators highlighted his unwavering dedication, exceptional professionalism, and positive impact on the community served by the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), which is the regional medical library for Region 6, located at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences at the University of Iowa.

Dietz-Castel has served as communication specialist at NNLM Region 6 since May 2019 and oversees marketing and media. He also serves on the NNLM Communications Working Group and has volunteered to take on network-wide promotions, representing not only Region 6 but all seven RMLs around the country. Dietz-Castel began his time at the NNLM as an office manager in January 2018, which evolved into serving as office coordinator. The NNLM advances the progress of medicine and improve public health through access to health information by collaborating, training, and funding health centers, health departments, community organizations, as well as medical, public, and school libraries in a seven-state region.

“Miles is adaptable and collaborative and his wide-ranging skills strengthen projects across the NNLM and community and we appreciate his work,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian at the University of Iowa. “His nominators also consistently highlighted not only his flexibility and willingness to learn, but also the supportive, encouraging environment he creates for
colleagues working both in person and remotely.”

One of his nominators, Jacqueline Leskovec, network specialist at NNLM Region 6, says Dietz-Castel stands out for his collaboration.

“It is evident that Miles has been an incredible asset to our office,” says Leskovec. “I have seen him grow in his positions, taking on more responsibilities and stepping up when needed. He is resourceful, creative, competent, kind, and fun to work with.”

Another one of Dietz-Caster’s nominators, Bobbi Newman, is an associate professor of practice in the UI School of Library and Information Science and former community engagement and outreach manager at NNLM Region 6. She says she’s witnessed Dietz-Castel’s commitment to excellence in everything he undertakes.

“Miles consistently goes above and beyond his assigned responsibilities, demonstrating both a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for producing high-quality work that exceeds expectations,” says Newman. She adds a prime example of Castel-Dietz’s exceptional contributions was his work on the 2023 National Health Misinformation Symposium. He took ownership of creating graphics, developing promotional materials, and providing technical support that were essential to the symposium’s success.

“His ability to translate complex health information into visually compelling and accessible materials demonstrated not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of our educational mission,” says Newman. “The quality of his work consistently impressed our team and set a standard that has been adopted across our entire network.”

“Miles takes the time to ensure that his work is of the highest quality, and in turn he ups the quality of the rest of the work the office produces as well,” says Nora Barnett, health professions outreach coordinator at NNLM Region 6. “Whether I am developing a webinar and have an idea of a promotional graphic, or I am working on a poster to raise awareness of our continuing education offerings, I know involving Miles will transform whatever I start to create into a polished and professional deliverable.”

Dietz-Castel was formally acknowledged as the recipient of the Benton Award during a staff recognition event in March 2026.

The Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence is awarded each year to a member of the Libraries’ professional staff who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in furthering its mission to serve the university community. In addition to formal recognition, the award includes a grant of $2,000 for professional development that will support Butler’s research projects or publications related to library services.

The late Dr. Arthur Benton, professor of psychology and neurology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, established the endowment to make this annual award possible.

Student employees are a crucial part of the ecosystem at the University of Iowa Libraries. Not only are staff able to pass on expertise directly through hands-on learning, but students can contribute their ideas to keep the Libraries relevant and strong for the next generations. Student employees complete a wide variety of tasks, including directing users to needed resources, caring for collections, and processing material.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, 15 undergraduate student employees have been awarded scholarships in recognition of their work. Read below to get to know them and learn about their Libraries experience and its impact on their future in their own words. If you see the following outstanding students working at the Libraries, be sure to congratulate them and thank them for their efforts!

You can learn more about UI Libraries student scholarships on the Libraries website.

Judy and Mike Greer Scholarship in memory of Mary E. Greer

Samantha Burds
Hometown: Epworth, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts in English
“The friendly and open work environment at the Libraries has given me the opportunity to ask questions that help me learn about my job. Libraries are centers for information, and having more information as an employee makes me better at doing my job and giving that information to others.”

Kaleb Schlatter
Hometown: Runnells, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts in history with minors in Arabic studies and cinematic arts and a Certificate in Jewish Studies
“My work at the Libraries has strengthened my ability to draw on its websites and digital and physical archives, which has improved the quality of my regular academic work and helped me develop research interests. Working at the Libraries has also provided routine opportunities to practice and refine interpersonal communication skills for clarity and efficiency. Given that I intend to work in archives, academic history, or in legal spaces, the research skills, institutional knowledge, and communication skills I have developed while working at the Libraries have prepared me with the tools to adapt to new information ecosystems.”

Benton Family Music Library Student Employee Scholarship

Lydia Maier
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: Bachelor of Music in organ performance
“Working at the Libraries has helped me strengthen several professional skills, especially time management and working with people. Balancing a heavy course load, practicing, and working at the Rita Benton Music Library have taught me how to prioritize my work, stay organized, and manage my time efficiently. I’ve also become more personable and confident in helping people, whether I’m answering questions, helping someone find a score, or simply being welcoming at the front desk.
Something that has surprised me about working in the Music Library is the call number system. Before working at the Libraries, I didn’t know how to locate books or scores with the number because I didn’t understand how it worked. I have discovered how thoughtful and organized the system is and it has been super helpful to utilize!”

Brett Tomkins
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts in music education and Bachelor of Music in composition studies
“Keeping account of scores and working at the Music Library helps me learn to stay organized. It also gives me the chance to compose and arrange when I don’t have any tasks, which directly impacts my career.”

Bentz Family Student Employee Scholarship

Sadie Crandall
Hometown: Marion, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a triple major in anthropology, classics, and religious studies with a Museum Studies Certificate
“My work at Special Collections and Archives has helped me develop not only professional skills with archiving software and physical handling techniques, but it has also allowed me to build professional relationships within a community of like-minded archivists that I love and cherish. These skills have been nurturing my knack for leadership and my ability to approach difficult archiving problems in the collections and library spheres. I am passionate about my work and my impact on the institution and community that I serve and am constantly looking for ways to improve these skills and small ways to help in the library in order to prepare for a future in collections moving forward.”

Brylee Hoeg
Hometown: Grundy Center, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double major in history and ancient civilizations and a minor in anthropology and a Museum Studies Certificate
“Through my work at the Libraries, I have learned how to communicate with a large group of people, and how to meet the differing needs of these people. In my future career I am going to see people every day who will need specific or different things from me, and I will need to know how to effectively and efficiently fix problems and help individual people.”

Ava Stork
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts in environmental policy and planning with a minor in urban studies and a Certificate in Sustainability
“Through working as a student employee of the Libraries, I have greatly improved my communication and teamwork skills through collaborating with other students and staff and working together to complete various projects. In relation to my future career path as an urban planner, both of these skills are an essential part of plan completion and community outreach.”

Tatiana Thomas
Hometown: LaGrange, Illinois
Major: Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing
“While working at the Art Library, I have learned to balance a multitude of tasks. I will forever and always be so surprised at how much the Art Library feels like a home. Jim (Hall, library assistant and student supervisor) and Patricia (Jimenez, director) are the most welcoming people I have ever encountered, as well as respectful and professional.”

UI Libraries Student Employee Scholarship

Brianna Bowers
Hometown: Cypress, Texas
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double major in computer science and English and creative writing
“I’ve learned how to balance my time between different independent projects. Knowing how to do this will be useful to me since I plan to go into a career that involves lots of independent projects alongside self-development.”

Abigail Kunzman
Hometown: Hartley, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Science with a double major in health and human physiology
“Something that surprised me about working at the Sciences Library is the connections that I’ve made with the staff and students. What started as just a campus job has allowed me to get to know a great staff that always makes me feel supported and part of a small community. Additionally, the role of a student mentor itself is extremely rewarding. I get to witness the personal growth and increased confidence in the learning of students who I have had the privilege to work with. Every student learns differently and at a different pace, teaching me how to adapt quickly and adjust my explanations to what they will be most receptive to. I have also learned how vulnerable it can feel asking for help, so I make it my goal to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through difficult concepts. The patience and communication that I’ve developed while working at the Sciences Library will not only strengthen my abilities as a future physician but will allow me to better connect and support the patients I will one day care for.”

Kethia Mulonda
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Science in Engineering in civil engineering
“Working at the Lichtenberger Engineering Library has taught me a great deal about communication, patience, and problem-solving. Every shift involves interacting with different students, faculty, and staff, and I’ve learned how to clearly explain information, walk someone through a process, and stay calm even when things are busy. I’ve also improved my ability to troubleshoot issues, whether it’s technology problems, equipment questions, or finding the right resource. These skills will carry directly into my future career. Civil engineering requires strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to think through challenges in real time. The Libraries has been a great place to develop those habits early.”

Sumeyo Noor
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Science in neuroscience
“Coming in as the only neuroscience student, I didn’t expect to connect with so many of my other co-workers, who were mostly in the Tippie College of Business. However, I’ve made lifelong friends here at the Business Library and every day I learn something new from everyone who works here. It feels like a close-knit family.
The Business Library has also prepared me for handling professional encounters and confrontation. I think these skills will help me in my future studies as a med student and hopefully one day as a doctor. Things like being able to talk to anyone and handle conflicts are important not only for my specific area of study, but for health care professionals in general.”

Kaylee Olson
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double major in psychology and criminology, law, and justice
“My work at the Libraries has helped me develop important professional skills like strong communication and problem-solving skills by helping patrons, attention to detail through tasks like shelving books and closing, and time management skills by balancing work at the Libraries with a full academic schedule. These tasks taken together have helped me develop a stronger work ethic, and I feel confident using these skills in tasks that will carry into any future career.
I was surprised at how often I actually looked forward to going to work at the Libraries. I often feel much more grounded, even on the most stressful days, after a shift. It has been a great place for me to make crucial connections and grow as a person.”

Steven Siegel
Hometown: Van Meter, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Science in biology
“I have learned a lot of professional communication skills that have already begun to serve me well in my future career. I am able to efficiently communicate and plan different projects with my coworkers and management.”

Jillian Witt
Hometown: Queens, New York
Major: Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing
“The main professional skills I’ve learned in my time here has been patron interaction and working with a team, which will be crucial skills in any kind of work environment. As I am considering going into academics, a useful skill I have learned at the Libraries has been researching and finding materials related to a specific subject. I am also considering going into library sciences and learning how to navigate the Library of Congress Classification system has been a valuable skill.”

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

Students and visitors to the UI Libraries get to experience unique and rare materials on display at the Main Library Gallery and at small displays and galleries throughout each building. What they don’t see is the careful process of preparing both the materials themselves and the display mounts that make it possible to have these items out for the public to view. Due to their age, sensitive components, or other factors, these materials must be attentively prepared for display. They also receive custom-made mounts, allowing them to be presented in a way that will not cause stress or damage.

Behind this process is Conservation and Collections Care, which provides specialized treatment for all of the Libraries’ collections, advises on issues of collection storage and use, and manages the preparation and installation of all materials for exhibition. Bill Voss is one of the department professionals and he specializes in making exhibit mounts and preparing materials for display, in addition to performing complex treatments on materials from the UI Libraries distinctive collections. Using a variety of materials and tools—which he also makes himself—Bill ensures the UI Libraries’ collections receive high-quality care as they engage with students and the University of Iowa community.

Bill has a bachelor’s degree in Russian from Lawrence University and a master’s degree in Slavic linguistics from the University of Washington. He has worked at the UI Libraries for over 25 years, during which time he also earned a Certificate in Book Arts from the UI Center for the Book. Get to know Bill and learn more about his work in the questions and answers below.

Q: How does your work influence people’s experience when they visit the UI Libraries?
A: Students engage with my work when viewing our exhibits in the Main Library Gallery, the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room, and various pop-up exhibits around campus. I also sometimes work on rare materials that are utilized for various classes in the library.

Q: When does your job feel most rewarding?
A:  I really enjoy working with rare materials from our Special Collections and Archives.  Some of our most interesting materials that are in need of treatment and/or display end up crossing my bench.

Q: What is a favorite exhibit that you’ve worked?
A:  My favorite exhibit was last semester’s Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education, which provided a number of unique display challenges from pop-up books and paper dolls to tunnel books and historic medical flap books. These required some innovative mount designs and the creative use of a lot of tiny magnets and supports that are mostly hidden from the viewer.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Some of my other interests are fine leather bookbinding, paper marbling, and guitar. I also have an extensive collection of tarot card decks, many of which are cat themed.

Visit the Main Library Gallery and the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room to view Bill’s work and learn about the UI Libraries distinctive collections.

The time for Love Data Week 2026 has come, with this year’s theme, “Where’s the Data?”, encouraging us to consider the journey that data undertakes from creation to application.

Previously, we discussed how to implement good data management practices in your research. So, what next? Sharing your data and making it findable and discoverable to others is a great way to promote your research and increase reproducibility of your work, as well as allowing other researchers to build upon your work. The best way to share data is through a data repository, as it allows for wider accessibility, reproducibility, and discoverability, as well as long-term preservation of your data.  

Choosing a repository for your data can feel like a daunting task. Here are some things to consider when making your selection: 

1. Review your funding documents to see whether you are required to use a specific repository.  

1. If a specific repository is not required, check for domain-specific repositories that would be well suited for your research data.  

1. For UI-affiliated researchers, the Iowa Research Online (IRO) repository is a great option, especially when a discipline-specific repository isn’t an option. 

No matter what repository you use for your data, you should still maintain thorough documentation and metadata to ensure that others can easily access and understand your data. Also, be sure to consider licenses and copyright for your data to communicate to other researchers how they are allowed to use your data.  

To learn more about how Research Data Services can help you at any stage of your data journey, please visit our website or contact us. 

The time for Love Data Week 2026 has come, with this year’s theme, “Where’s the Data?”, encouraging us to consider the journey that data undertakes from creation to application. 

 The first step in the journey of research data is its creation during the research process. At this stage, it’s important for you as researchers to understand how to keep track of the data you’re collecting. Without good data management practices, you may find yourself scrambling at the end of your research project to remember how you collected your data or where you put certain files in the first place.  

Practicing good data management skills will prevent frustration in the future and make your research accessible and reproducible for future researchers. Here are a few quick tips on good data management to keep your data accessible and usable: 

1. Maintain thorough documentation of your data and the context in which it was created through the usage of README files, data dictionaries, and codebooks.  

2. Use optimal, non-proprietary file formats to ensure long-term access. 

3. Establish a consistent naming convention for files and organize them in hierarchical folders.  

4. Ensure data kept in spreadsheets are tidy and well-structured.  

5. Keep data in secure storage locations and have backups of all files.  

To learn more about how Research Data Services can help you at any stage of your data journey, please visit our website or contact us.  

From hands-on workshops and expert panels to data visualization competitions and networking opportunities, Love Data Week offers students, faculty, staff, and researchers across the Alliance a chance to build data literacy skills, discover new tools and methods, and connect with peers who share their passion for working with data.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please note: Advanced registration is required for these events, so be sure to REGISTER TO ATTEND what interests you!

Monday, February 9

Hallucination in the Wild: A Field Guide for LLM Users

Join speaker Ash Lewis (The Ohio State University) as she tackles AI “hallucinations” using VISTA Score and provides practical strategies to build more transparent, reliable language models.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Current Landscape of Federal Data

Join experts from IHEP and the Data Rescue Project for a timely discussion on safeguarding federal data, addressing emerging gaps, and ensuring open, equitable access for evidence-based decision making.

AI in Action: Innovation Across the Big Ten

Explore groundbreaking AI innovations from across the Big Ten Academic Alliance and discover how they’re transforming research, education, and real-world problem solving.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Careers in Data

Gain insider perspectives on data careers from Big Ten leaders and alumni, covering pathways, skills, and emerging trends to help you succeed in the evolving data landscape.

Love Digital Accessibility

Learn best practices for creating accessible data visualizations and dashboards that ensure everyone—including people with disabilities—can understand and engage with your data.

Thursday, Feb. 12

Dashboard Duel: Power BI vs. Tableau – Iowa vs. Ohio State

Watch Iowa and Ohio State face off in a live dashboard design showdown—Power BI vs. Tableau—showcasing creativity, strategy, and actionable insights.

Friday, Feb. 13

Big Ten Data Viz Championship Showcase: Discover the Champions

Celebrate data storytelling at the Big Ten Data Viz Championship Showcase, featuring top visualizations, innovative insights, and the crowning of this year’s data champions! Voting information will be announced by February 9 with the unveiling of the data viz galleries.

Staff expertise is a key element of being a leader in the research library community. We are proud to highlight University of Iowa Libraries staff work that impacts not only our campus but leading the way in information services and innovative collaborations across the country. Read below to learn about two staff members who were recently invited to present at national library conferences.

Maggie Halterman-Dess wins scholarship to and presents at ALA’s Core Forum

Core is the American Library Association (ALA) division covering buildings and operations, leadership and management, metadata and collections, and technology, which includes storage facilities like the Annex and their operations. Library Annex Coordinator Maggie Halterman-Dess presented Inconceivable! Large-Scale Deaccessioning Projects in a High-Density Storage Facility, sharing our workflow for withdrawing materials from the Annex without creating the “Swiss cheese” problem: leaving lots of gaps behind, causing inefficiencies in shelving use and potential preservation issues. In November 2025, she presented this poster at the Core Forum in Denver, Colorado.

Matthew Butler presents at Digital Library Federation Forum

Matthew Butler, Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio research manager, presented From Archives to Access: AI-Powered Transcription for Multimedia Collections at the annual Digital Library Federation (DLF) Forum in Denver, Colorado, in November 2025. His presentation introduced a validated AI pipeline for generating transcripts and summaries of historic political ads. Developed collaboratively and described in a recent peer-reviewed study co-authored by the presenter, the project demonstrates tools for evaluating and enabling access to video collections, offering librarians, archivists, and developers practical methods to enhance discoverability and reuse.

With the start of a new year, a new wealth of materials has entered the public domain. When a work enters the public domain, the public no longer needs to seek the artist’s permission to copy, build on, or adapt the work. This opens the door for creative riffs on the classics and makes digital content available free of charge.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, thousands of copyrighted works from 1930 and sound recordings from 1925 are in the public domain. This year, we’re excited this includes the first four Nancy Drew novels, including works by ghost writer Mildred Wirt Benson whose materials are saved and available to the public through the Iowa Women’s Archives. You can also find Agatha Christie’s The Murder at the Vicarage and William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying.

Composers exploring inspiration at the Music Library can now freely share and riff on the following musical compositions: I Got Rhythm, Georgia on My Mind, and Dream a Little Dream of Me. Over at the Art Library, artists can now use and references some works by Piet Mondrian, Edward Steichen, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, José Clemente Orozco, and more. Finally, there are films, sound recordings, characters, comics, and cartoons to peruse, share, and use in new work.

Find creative works recently added to the public domain

• Hathi Trust Digital Library: Discover materials in the public domain that were digitized through the Google Books Project.
• Center for the Study of Public Domain: Duke’s Public Domain Day page has a great selection of highlights.
• The Public Domain Review: This journal specializes in mining the public domain.
• The UI Libraries Catalog: Search InfoHawk+ to find digital versions of public domain works.

Learn more about U.S. copyright law and determine a work’s copyright status

The Scholarly Impact Department helps faculty work through complex copyright issues, such as what can be used in the classroom, how to retain your rights as an author, and how to apply Creative Commons licensing. Email Mahrya Burnett at mahrya-burnett@uiowa.edu to set up a consultation. You might also try the Libraries Copyright Guide. This guide provides the basics on copyright issues, such as Fair Use, seeking permissions, author rights, and licensing.

The Main Library is inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors to complete a survey that will help make the library a more supportive and effective space for everyone’s learning, success, and holistic well-being. The survey covers a variety of aspects, including: study space, research support, technology availability, and more. Participants can expect to take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the confidential survey. The first 200 survey participants will receive a free coffee from Food for Thought Café. The survey is open for feedback from Oct. 20 to Nov. 20.

This guest post was written by Katarina Stiller, book and paper conservator at the University of Oregon.

In 2024, one of the John Martin Rare Book Room’s books, Catoptrum microcosmicum (1661), was at the University of Iowa Libraries’ Conservation Lab for examination and stabilization. As a student intern at the time in the Conservation and Collections Care department of the UI Libraries, I had the opportunity to do a complete treatment for this amazing anatomical flap book.

Catoptrum microcosmicum (“The Mirror of the Microcosm”) was the most extensive anatomy book with overlapping flaps of its time. Its title refers to the classical notion of the human body being a microcosm or representation of the universe in miniature. The author, Johann Remmelin, was a town physician in Ulm and later a plague doctor in Augsburg. The engravings were based on Remmelin’s sketches and drawn by the renowned Augsburg artist Lucas Kilian (1579–1637) and engraved by Stephan Michelspacher (active 1613–1619), who also served as the publisher. The book has three plates depicting human anatomy, with flaps and intentionally loose components illustrating individual organs and entire body systems. Having a series of overlapping flaps helped convey the dimensionality of the body, with some areas containing 15 layers.

Catoptrum microcosmicum was intended more for the curious layperson rather than for serious academic teaching due to its delicate construction, great expense, and unwieldy size. It was reprinted numerous times in the 17th and 18th centuries in Dutch, French, English, Latin, and German. This particular copy, published in German in 1661, is notable for its blue paper boards binding, which is likely original. The John Martin Rare Book Room also has a 1619 copy with a parchment binding recycled from what was likely a 15th-century incunabulum.

When the book came to the Conservation Lab, it was apparent that it had been heavily used, with abrasions, stains, small tears, and signs of previous repairs throughout the textblock. One of the plates had additional wax and adhesive residues that prevented the opening of some of the flaps. Despite the heavy use, it was remarkably intact, with even the loose organs all accounted for.

A particularly unique feature of this book is that it is still in its original binding, so it was essential for conservation treatment to be minimally interventive. Retaining its signs of use, such as historic repairs, was important to preserve evidence of the book’s past function as a very hands-on object. Presently, this book is also very popular with classes, scholars, and events, so an additional goal of this treatment was to stabilize it for reading room use and to go on display for an upcoming exhibit. Balancing the preservation of original material while enabling continued access is a common consideration in library conservation, resulting in treatment plans unique to each object.

After a thorough examination and the development of a treatment plan, the book was first cleaned with soft brushes and sponges. Stains were reduced via the application of semi-rigid gels. The gels were able to draw out discoloration without introducing much moisture, which could have created new stains. 

This is a very controlled treatment approach that allows for in-situ cleaning without disturbing the binding. After cleaning, the flaps were realigned and reinforced with lightweight repair paper.

The book was also extensively photographed, both before and after treatment, to document all changes during the conservation treatment. Additionally, this was an opportunity to record the full movement of the flaps. Part of the longstanding allure of movable books is their ability to convey motion via complex paper engineering and viewer participation, so this treatment was a good opportunity to digitally preserve this. This imaging helps provide another avenue for access to the book’s contents without the need to repeatedly handle each of its delicate components, helping conserve the physical book for generations to come.

The book can now be safely handled and is available for viewing at the Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education exhibit, open now in the Main Library Gallery through Dec. 19, 2025.

Celebrate International Open Access Week with the University of Iowa Libraries on Oct. 20–26. This year’s theme is “Who owns our knowledge?” and it focuses on the questions:

• Where has knowledge come from?
• How is knowledge created and shared?
• Whose voices are recognized and valued?

Open Access Week is a time for open access professionals to share and celebrate the benefits of open scholarship. It is a chance for the academic community to learn more about what makes open access to information so important.

On Monday, Oct. 20 from noon to 1 p.m., the University of Iowa Libraries, along with Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa, will be hosting a virtual lecture, Who Owns Our Knowledge? Rethinking Publishing in a Scholar-Led World with Juan Pablo Alperin. Juan Pablo Alperin is an associate professor in publishing, co-director of the Scholarly Communications Lab, and scientific director of the Public Knowledge Project at Simon Fraser University.

Alperin will discuss how the proliferation of open access journals, led by scholars and published out of universities from around the world, are challenging publishing models, reshaping access to knowledge, and redefining the global landscape of scholarly communication.

Among other things, he will draw on work from these two papers:

• Recalibrating the scope of scholarly publishing: A modest step in a vast decolonization process
• Scholarly publishing’s hidden diversity: How exclusive databases sustain the oligopoly of academic publishers

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of open access, register to attend the lecture on Monday, Oct. 20, or check out some of the other virtual worldwide events that will be happening all week from Oct. 20–26.

In April 2025, members of the University of Iowa and local community gathered at the Old Capitol to celebrate the investiture, or official appointment, of Kate Orazem as the Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist. This position, endowed by the philanthropic support of longtime Iowa legislator Jean Lloyd-Jones and her granddaughter Michal Eynon-Lynch, is charged with collecting, preserving, and sharing with a broad audience the history of Iowa women in politics.

In 2021, Lloyd-Jones and Eynon-Lynch made a generous gift to the Iowa Women’s Archives to establish the position as well as support other projects benefiting Iowa women’s political history.  

“We are very grateful to Jean and Michal for their thoughtfulness,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian. “Given the changing nature of finances in higher education and indeed the library ecosystem today, gifts such as this make it possible to embark on exciting new projects to impact future Iowans, and in this case specifically, future women leaders in Iowa politics.”

Lloyd-Jones and Culshaw first started talking when she aimed to commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment in 2020 and pay tribute to Iowa women who served in statewide or national public office. That turned into the Hard Won, Not Done online project, which helped save and tell the stories of Iowa women in politics while creating a dynamic resource that could be updated over time.  

Now the project has evolved to the Our Rightful Place: Iowa Women in Politics oral history collection and website managed by Orazem that uplifts the stories of women who have served in the Iowa state legislature and executive branch. Providing access to these interviews through an interactive digital portal creates opportunities to inspire women considering a run for office, educate students about local women’s history, and connect scholars with an invaluable research collection. 

Orazem joined the Iowa Women’s Archives in October 2022 and now proudly serves as the steward of Iowa women’s political history at the university, made possible thanks to Lloyd-Jones and Enyon-Lynch.  

“We couldn’t have a better person than Kate serving as the inaugural Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist,” says Culshaw. “Her dedication to this expansive political collection is unmatched and she works tirelessly to bring new collections to the Iowa Women’s Archives, teach classes involving women in Iowa politics, work with UI student groups that support women interested in political careers, and interview politicians across Iowa.”

Orazem recognizes the unique opportunity and significance of this position. “My life has been shaped by philanthropic partnerships between universities and members of our community who are very passionate about something, like this endowment,” says Orazem. 

“Dedicated philanthropic funding for research and programming in a university context can have so many long-term positive ripple effects throughout the life of an Iowan like me. And I think it just goes to show how powerful it can be when someone in our community invests their resources here to strengthen our institutions and build the kind of future that we want for everyone.”

LOOKING BACK | Investiture of Culshaw as Jack B. King University Librarian
Lloyd-Jones and Eynon-Lynch were the second donors to establish an endowed position at the UI Libraries. In 2018, Culshaw was invested as the first endowed position—the Jack B. King University Librarian Chair.

The position was established and endowed in 2017 through gifts from two generations of the King family, who were long-time advocates of libraries. Jack B. and Geraldine (Jerry) King combined their estate gift with funds from the Iva B. King trust, established by Jack’s parents, Fred (BA ’28) and Iva King. The UI Libraries supplemented the King family gift with funds from the Friends of the UI Libraries to establish the endowed chair.

“I am humbled to serve the University of Iowa Libraries as it establishes its first named chair in honor of Jack and Jerry, especially in light of their lifelong commitment to encouraging careers in academic librarianship,” Culshaw shared during his investiture ceremony. “This endowment will enhance the Libraries’ continuing efforts to support research and to teach students to think critically about information sources.”

Follow the impact of an endowment
Explore Orazem’s work by visiting the Our Rightful Place digital portal, which was created by the Iowa Women’s Archives in collaboration with the Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio.

From being one of many proud Hawkeyes in her family to maintaining close relationships with a number of Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters, the University of Iowa will always hold a special place in Christie Krugler’s heart.

“My involvement with the LAC has provided valuable insight into the Libraries’ important role in fostering student success and community engagement,” says Krugler. “The Libraries are at the heart of academic life on campus and this allows me to contribute in a meaningful way. I want to make sure they have the resources they need to operate and evolve.”

One way Krugler is giving back to her beloved alma mater is by being a member of the Libraries Advancement Council (LAC). The group actively champions the Libraries and provides guidance and feedback to help the UI Center for Advancement’s (UICA) effort to increase support through fundraising, advocacy, and engagement. Krugler, who lives in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, recently completed a one-year term as chair and has been a member of the group since 2021.

Krugler became involved with the LAC after a memorable tour of Special Collections and Archives with her mother and several friends in 2019. She believes that by providing access to credible resources, study spaces, and expert assistance, the Libraries is crucial for developing research skills necessary for any career. Krugler and her husband, Bill, also believe in the power of stories, especially those that emerge from archives and collections. They graciously provided the seed money for the new UI Libraries Exhibits and Galleries Fund, which will support exhibitions of unique and rare materials in the Main Library Gallery and beyond.

“The Libraries are places for information and also cultural hubs where history, creativity, and exploration come together,” says Krugler. “For us, it was an investment in education and especially engagement. My hope is it honors the Libraries’ collections, celebrates the curators, and attracts new support.”

Krugler says she feels a deep sense of responsibility in helping the Libraries better support campus and is excited to continue being an advocate.

“Serving on the LAC has given me an opportunity to work alongside passionate, mission-driven people who care about the Libraries and the University of Iowa as much as I do,” says Krugler.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the libraries are dynamic spaces of engagement, and I hope in some small way I could play a part in furthering their mission by introducing my network to the Libraries role and importance at the University of Iowa.”

To honor Krugler’s service as chair, the Libraries added a copy of Heavy Threads to Special Collections and Archives during its spring 2025 meeting. This book is significant to Krugler because she earned a degree in clothing and textiles.

The book is an artist’s book by Lise Melhorn-Boe, with a poem by Hazel Hall. An edition of seven copies, the book is completely made from fabric scraps found in Melhorn-Boe’s house. The carousel structure of the book gives it a 3D quality that also mimics the look of windows, reflecting the words of Hall’s poem:

When the dawn unfolds like a bolt of ribbon
Thrown through my window,
I know that hours of light
Are about to thrust themselves into me
Like omnivorous needles into listless cloth,
Threaded with the heavy colours of the sun.

The book was purchased in honor of Krugler’s service with support from the University Libraries Excellence Fund.

Linda “Lin” Phillips, from Norwalk, Iowa, is now serving as chair and Amy Sullivan from Denver, Colorado, is vice chair. The LAC’s next meeting is scheduled for November 2025.

During the ninth month of the year, enjoy nine of the latest additions to the John Martin Rare Book Room (JMRBR) collection. Contact JMRBR Curator Damien Ihrig at damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to see these books or plan a visit to JMRBR. Want to receive medical history and curator selections in your inbox? Subscribe to the Friends of the JMRBR monthly newsletter!

1. Manuel des plantes médicinales and Herbier médical

This is a two-volume set of botanical works from Alexandre Gautier. The text of Manuel lists indigenous plants used in medicine, with an emphasis on how to properly store and prepare them for the highest efficacy. The real gem, though, is the 214 plate, hand-colored Herbier, with beautiful illustrations to accompany many of the plants listed in the Manuel. Only one other hand-colored copy is known to exist and it’s at the BIU Santé Médecine in Paris. If you’re lucky enough to be reading this while strolling down the Champs-Élysées, you should pop over La Seine to see that one for yourself. If not, feel free to pop over La Iowa River to see ours!

_{GAUTIER, LOUIS-ALEXANDRE (fl. 1822). Manuel des plantes médicinales AND Herbier médical: supplément au Manuel des plantes médicinales. Both printed in Paris by Audot, 1822. Both 18 cm tall.}

2. Traité de la peste

The French herbalist and apothecary, Nicolas Houel (ca. 1524–1587), a distinguished figure in the history of 16th-century Parisian pharmacy, was known not only for his pharmaceutical expertise but also for his contributions as an artist, collector, and philanthropist. Driven by a commitment to social welfare, Houel helped establish an institution dedicated to caring for the sick, impoverished, and orphaned. The institution included a chapel, orphanage, hospital, apothecary, and a medicinal plant garden. This garden later became the site of the Jardin des Plantes, now home to the Museum of Natural History. Houel was also a prolific writer, producing numerous works on cultural, artistic, and scientific subjects. Among his most notable publications are a treatise on Theriac and Mithridate (classical poison antidotes) and this treatise is on the plague.

_{HOUEL, NICOLAS (ca. 1524–1587). Traité de la peste auquel est amplement discouru de l’origine, cause, signes, preservation & curation d’icelle. Printed in Paris by Galiot du Pré, 1573. 17 cm tall.}

3. Beschreibung des fünften nervenpaares

Though relatively obscure, Bock’s work holds significant value for its early contribution to the understanding of neural circuitry—an idea now widely accepted thanks to neuroanatomical evidence. Notably, Bock identified the connections between the sympathetic nerves and the autonomic ganglia associated with the eye, diverging from the views of Meckel, who was then considered the leading authority on the anatomy of the fifth cranial nerve. Equally noteworthy are the innovative techniques Bock employed and the clarity and elegance of his anatomical presentations. As an educator, Bock was distinguished by his ability to present anatomical structures with exceptional clarity. As a prosector, his technical skill in specimen preparation greatly enriched the anatomical museum in Leipzig, leaving a lasting legacy in both pedagogy and anatomical research.

_{BOCK, AUGUST CARL (1782–1833). Beschreibung des fünften nervenpaares. Printed in Meissen by Friedrich Wilhem Goedsche, 1817. Bound with: Nachtrag zu der Beschreibung des fünften Hirnnerven. Printed in Meissen by Friedrich Wilhem Goedsche, 1821. 44 cm tall.}

4. Experimental philosophy

This is a first edition of the first book in English on microscopy. It beat Hooke’s Micrographia by one year! It is clear that Power and Hooke shared notes, with Power writing in Experimental philosophy that Hooke confirmed some of his observations.

_{POWER, HENRY(1623–1668). Experimental philosophy. In three books: containing new experiments microscopical, mercurial, magnetical. Printed in London by T. Roycroft, for John Martin, and James Allestry, at the Bell in S. Pauls Church-yard, 1664. 21 cm tall.}

5. Manuel Du Vaccinateur

Manuel documents the history of smallpox vaccination in France, featuring a question-and-answer section on its administration and safety, along with official government notices regarding its rollout in the Ardèche province. Delaroque was a strong advocate for the vaccine’s effectiveness and played a key role in translating the works of English pioneer Edward Jenner into French. Delaroque presented this particular copy to Matthieu Pierre Louis Duret (1758–1841), a fellow Jenner disciple and the appointed vaccinator for the county of Annonay. Most pages are printed on light blue paper and bear a blacked-out tax stamp. One handwritten correction appears in the text.

_{DELAROQUE, JOSEPH (fl. 1808). Manuel Du Vaccinateur. Printed in Privas De l’imprimerie de F. Agard, 1808. 22 cm tall}

6. Instruction familiere & trés-facile

First published in 1677, Instruction familière & très-facile is a practical manual for midwives, written in a question-and-answer format to guide them through emergencies without relying on surgeons. Its author, Marguerite du Tertre de La Marche, was a leading midwife at the Hôtel-Dieu in Paris from 1670 to 1686. A student of Louise Bourgeois, La Marche reformed midwifery education by introducing a structured three-month training program. The 1710 edition of Instruction familiere includes Secrets choisis by Bourgeois, a collection of 280 home remedies and cosmetic recipes. Divided into five sections, it covers internal diseases, external ailments, women’s health, beauty treatments, and miscellaneous cures, including instructions for preparing waxed cloths and plasters.

_{LA MARCHE, MARGUERITE (1638–1706). Instruction familiere & trés-facile, faite par Questions & Réponses touchant toutes les choses principales qu’vne Sage-femme doit sçavoir pour l’exercice de son Art. Printed in Paris for the author, 1677. 17 cm tall.}

7. De monstrorum Natura, Caussis, et differentiis

Liceti’s most renowned medical work is De monstrorum Natura, Caussis, et differentiis, first published in Padua in 1616 and reissued in 1634 with elaborate illustrations. In this groundbreaking text, Liceti offered one of the earliest systematic classifications of developmental disorders, organizing them by physical form rather than presumed cause—a significant departure from earlier approaches. While morphology guided his taxonomy, Liceti also proposed physiological explanations for these malformations. He cited factors such as a constricted uterus, placental irregularities, and the adhesion of amniotic fluid to the embryo as potential contributors. He was also among the first to suggest that fetal diseases could directly result in congenital disorders, marking a pivotal moment in the history of embryology and teratology.

_{LICETI, FORTUNIO (1577–1657). De monstrorum Natura, Caussis, et differentiis. Printed in Padua by Paolo Frambotto, 1634. 20 cm tall.}

8. Disputa del lo eccellentissimo filosofo

This book is the Italian edition of the account of a young German, Margaetha Weiss, who suffered from the first medically-substantiated case of anorexia. Examined by several physicians, it was the Italian physician Porzio who determined that her condition could be explained by natural causes, rather than the moral or mystical causes diagnosed by the other physicians and agents of the Church. His original Latin edition was translated into this Italian edition by a friend of Porzio’s. It includes information on Weiss that was not included in the Latin and German editions.

_{PORZIO, SIMONE (1496–1554). Disputa del lo eccellentissimo filosofo [De puella germanica]. Printed in Florence by Lorenzo Torrentino, 1551. 17 cm tall.}

9. Le corps de l’homme

Dr. Jules Galet, a clinical head at the Montpellier Faculty of Medicine, published this widely circulated anatomy and physiology manual in serialized parts between 1835 and 1841. Each installment contained 24 pages and six plates, designed to make the subject accessible to all social classes. The second edition, though uncolored, remains visually compelling. Despite the title page’s claim of 200 plates, the work matches the first edition’s collation, comprising 193 interleaved plates numbered 1–177, plus a supplementary section of 10 plates illustrating the systems of Gall and Lavater. It also includes portraits of Paolo Mascagni, William Harvey, Franz Joseph Gall, and Johann Caspar Lavater, along with two unnumbered anatomical plates and a frontispiece. The volumes are organized into four sections: 1) Digestive, absorbent, and respiratory systems, including their functions; 2) Respiratory system and circulation; 3) Musculoskeletal system—covering bones, joints, muscles, and voluntary movement—alongside Lavater’s physiognomic theories; 4) Nervous system, reproduction, innervation, Gall’s phrenological system, and embryology.

_{GALET, JULES (1583–1632). Le corps de l’homme, traité complet d’anatomie et de physiologie humaines. Four volumes in two. Printed in Paris for the author, 1844. 28 cm tall.}

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

As director of the Art Library, Patricia Gimenez shapes both the Art Library space and collection into a vital resource for University of Iowa students in the School of Art, Art History, and Design (SAAHD). She keeps the collection relevant and unique by adding new material inspired by art trends, student work, and course syllabi. She also curates displays to draw students’ attention to new or overlooked resources. You might find Patricia working with students learning how to navigate the call number system and access the movable stacks, or visiting classes to discuss the purpose of peer-review.

Patricia has worked at the Libraries for four years and, before that, she was an instruction librarian at the Savannah College of Art and Design for nearly a decade. She earned a master’s degree in both library information science and art history. Get to know more about her and the Art Library in the questions and answers below.

Q: What led you to a career as a librarian?
A: After my undergraduate experience, I spent a few years with an academic publisher as an editorial assistant. I realized that I didn’t have the attention to detail for editing, but truly enjoyed learning about the research our authors were working on. Leaving publishing for library science was a great move.

Q: What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers?
A: Stay curious. The way to find joy in work and life is to continue to learn new things and continue to explore all paths and possibilities.

Q: When is your job most rewarding?
A: Every day, I get to learn new things. My favorite part of my job is having one-on-one research consultations with students and faculty. I love to hear what people are researching, and I get to learn too as I help navigate through the available resources.

Q: What is an underutilized resource at the Libraries?
A: My favorite items in the Art Library are the Visionaire World publications. Visionaire is a publisher that works with artists and designers to create truly unique objects that reimagine what a “book” can be.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Like most librarians, I am a true nerd and an avid reader. I belong to two separate book clubs, and every year I follow along very closely with the Tournament of Books, which is an annual bracket for literary fiction.

Q: What is a piece of media you recommend?
A: I am really enjoying the podcast “Sixteenth Minute of Fame.” Each episode takes a look at an internet “main character” or rather, when and why someone went viral and what that says about society.

Visit the Art Library’s website to discover resources, browse new acquisitions, or contact your librarian for support.

Most Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions have moved from the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) to a new location on the second floor of the Main Library. This space—the Academic Resource Center (LIB 2024)—will host the majority of SI sessions during the fall and spring semesters, with plans to transition to a permanent Main Library location in fall 2026.

“We are excited for this move to the Main Library and the opportunities it will provide for our students,” says Stephanie Huntington, director of the Office of Student Learning. “The library offers convenient access to study spaces, academic resources, and materials that support student success.”

Students are encouraged to check the SI Session Schedule for up-to-date details, including courses covered and session locations.

“The Main Library is not only a cornerstone for learning and research, but also a vibrant hub for creative work, stewardship of vital knowledge, and resources accessible to all,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian. “This collaboration aligns with the UI’s strategic plan efforts to increase student retention and graduation.”

SI sessions will continue in the Pappajohn Business Building and the Seamans Center for courses in the Tippie College of Business and College of Engineering.

In partnership with eight Big Ten-affiliated university presses, the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Center for Library Programs has expanded the Big Ten Open Books project with the publication of the second 100-book collection. 

The second collection is centered on Indigenous North Americans. The works included in the collection have all been previously published in print by the partnering university presses and are now being made openly available in digital form to read and reuse at no cost. 

The Big Ten Open Books project has established a distinctive model for unified, open-access publishing of scholarly monographs. It creates open content that is immediately and universally available on open infrastructure (Fulcrum, hosted by the University of Michigan) using open distribution models (including Project MUSE, JSTOR, OAPEN, and The Palace Project from Lyrasis) and envisions a robust programmatic future for open monograph publishing. Funding for this collection has been provided by the libraries of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the California Digital Library. 

This work is aligned with the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s vision for the BIG Collection, which seeks to unite the collections of the libraries of the Big Ten Academic Alliance into one collection, shared and fully networked. 

Read more about the Big Ten Open Books collections and the project on the BTAA website.

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

When a new collection or material comes to the Iowa Women’s Archives (IWA) at the University of Iowa Libraries, Meredith Kite is the first person to handle it. Located on the third floor of the Main Library, IWA collects and makes available primary sources about the history of Iowa women from all walks of life. As the collections archivist for IWA, Meredith accessions, processes, and manages these archival collections. She also oversees the work of graduate student workers.

Meredith has been in this position since November 2023. Before that, she worked at the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications and a master’s degree in women’s studies and gender research from the University of Florida. She earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Now, Meredith’s goal is to set up collections to be accessible and usable, not just to seasoned academic researchers but also to students who are just getting started with primary sources. For Meredith, facilitating collection engagement goes beyond writing clear and accessible archival descriptions. She strives to keep potential users in mind and understand their interactions with collections, as you can easily tell in her answers below.

Q: How does your work support students, directly or indirectly?
A: Understanding the barriers that students and other new researchers may face when it comes to finding and using primary sources, I know we can’t rely on good finding aids alone. When we host classes in the reading room, I often provide a brief tutorial on how to navigate ArchivesSpace (our catalog of archival collections), how to make reading room requests, and how to handle archival collections. So, I would say I support students by creating good archival description, providing research guidance, and doing my part to make the reading room a friendly and welcoming place.

Q: When does your job feel most rewarding?
A: It’s rewarding any time I can connect a patron to a resource they’ve been looking for. Whether it’s someone finding materials relevant to their academic research, or a person who has found themselves or their relatives in the archives, it’s so rewarding to see someone get excited about primary resources. I remember when I found my grandfather in a digitized yearbook photo in a digital library. He had passed away many years prior, and I never knew he was a one-time manager of our shared alma mater’s baseball team. Finding that connection to him so many years after he died was a very special moment for me. It’s a privilege to be able to provide those kinds of moments for others.

Q: What is a current challenge in your area and how are you approaching it?
A: The first thing that comes to mind is the challenge of stewarding digital archival materials. We typically receive collections once they are no longer “active records” that creators and collectors are still using. This often means we get papers and records when a person retires or passes away or an organization ends its work. Due to the ephemeral nature of digital files and the relatively rapid rate at which storage media become obsolete, this requires an earlier intervention on the part of archivists. Then, once we have the files in our care, there are a number of challenges in managing them and providing access to researchers. How am I approaching it? By having ongoing conversations with colleagues to develop and test workflows. A few of us in the IWA have spent a significant amount of time in the past year or so processing and describing collections that include digital materials. We usually consult with one another, in addition to the digital preservation librarian and other colleagues across the department, as we work and compare notes. It’s an iterative process and one we’re still very much working through. I have also supplemented my knowledge by pursuing a Digital Archives Specialist certificate from the Society of American Archivists, which has given me some tools with which to approach the challenge.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Much of my free time is spent with my cat Goose. Goose is about 10 months old. He was found last summer on the side of the road covered in corn dust—a truly Iowan origin story! He is full of kitten energy, so we spend a lot of time playing. He especially loves to play fetch. When Goose isn’t bossing me around, I enjoy quilting, birding, gardening, and watching Tampa Bay Rays baseball.

Q: What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers?
A: I am currently serving as a Society of American Archivists career counselor. So, I offer in-depth advice in the form of career advising sessions, resume reviews, or mock interviews for those pursuing a career in archives! For anyone outside of the archives world, I would suggest connecting with a peer or mentor in your area of interest and asking if you could interview or shadow them at work. In my own experience, seeking guidance from mentors and getting hands-on experience through internships/assistantships/volunteer positions were as valuable to me as the formal education I received in the classroom.

Visit the IWA reading room to learn about the lives and work of Iowa women, their families, and their communities through primary sources. Schedule your visit on the IWA website.

Jade E. Davis, associate university librarian for Teaching, Learning, and Research at the University of Iowa, was selected as the recipient of the Rhetoric Society of America’s 2025 Book Award. In The Other Side of Empathy (Duke University Press, 2023), Davis contests the value of empathy as an affective or critical tool. 

The RSA gives a Book Award each year to recognize an exemplary work in rhetorical studies—broadly construed—published by a Society member in the previous year.

The selection committee reviewed more than 40 books and shared that, “In the book, Davis complicates empathy and encourages us to be expansive in our thinking about what empathy does across many contexts. The book clearly, thoughtfully, and richly contributes to rhetorical studies, Black studies, and disability studies, and demonstrates a mastery of rhetorical, cultural, and humanistic theory.”

Davis officially received her award during the RSA Institute in June 2025.

The University of Iowa Libraries’ new open access agreement with Springer Nature offers university-affiliated corresponding authors unlimited open access publishing in Springer’s hybrid journals portfolio without payment of article processing charges (APCs). The deal was negotiated through the Big Ten Academic Alliance and covers articles accepted for publication between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2027, in eligible journals.

The extensive list of eligible journals is available on the Springer Nature website and includes hybrid journals in the Springer, Adis, and Palgrave Macmillan imprints. Nature and Nature-branded journals are not eligible. Eligible article types include: Original Papers, Review Papers, Brief Communications, and Continuing Education articles.

To publish open access through the agreement, corresponding authors will be prompted to identify their affiliation by selecting the University of Iowa as their institution or by using their institutional email address. An Author Guide is available on the Springer Nature website.

Authors publishing open access through the agreement will retain copyright and select a Creative Commons license to make their work immediately open and available. Open access publishing helps UI research reach a wider audience because it is free to read and not behind a paywall. 

The Springer Nature agreement is one of a growing number of open access agreements in which the UI Libraries participates as part of its commitment to support open access. Articles published through this agreement will be added to the UI Libraries Support Open Access collection in Iowa Research Online.

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Scheib, director of the Scholarly Impact department.

“No fees, no caps, no limits, no hassle.” Faculty across the Big Ten Academic Alliance gain unprecedented access and publishing freedom in Springer hybrid journals. 

The Big Ten Academic Alliance has signed a two-year Open Publishing Agreement with Springer Nature, making it the publisher’s first truly unlimited and uncapped open access agreement in the Americas. This is the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s fifth Open Publishing Agreement or OPA, and its most expansive to date. This groundbreaking deal offers all authors across participating institutions unlimited open access publishing in Springer’s hybrid journals portfolio—with no fees, no caps, no limits, and no hassle—while at the same time uniformly expanding access to those titles regardless of past local subscriptions.   

Authors from participating Alliance campuses—which includes the University of Iowa—can now publish their work openly (i.e., not behind a paywall) in all Springer hybrid journals without paying article processing charges (APCs). The agreement simplifies author workflows, allows for authors to retain rights in their work, and ensures that published articles are immediately open and available to everyone under a Creative Commons license.  

The Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Open Publishing Agreement model is an important component of the evolving scholarly publishing landscape and helps to set new standards for fairness, sustainability, and efficiency in the space. By removing administrative overhead burdens and financial barriers, researchers can more easily share their work freely and widely. 

Maurice York, director of Library Initiatives for the Big Ten Academic Alliance, said, “Our Open Publishing Agreements model reflects the priorities articulated by our faculty: to disseminate their scholarship widely through open access in prominent and reputable journals without having to worry about the costs. This made Springer Nature an essential partner, as their titles are recognized for their academic excellence and global reach.” 

Unlike traditional open access models, which often rely on publishing quotas or credit systems, under this agreement, faculty, students, and staff can publish without concerns about exhausting allocations or exceeding limits. This includes system and branch campuses currently included in the agreement, as well as those that may join during its term, ensuring broad access for the entire academic community. 

Maria Lopes, vice president of institutional sales at Springer Nature, said: “Springer Nature is proud to be the most comprehensive open access research publisher, and we share the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s desire to increase the impact and reach of their authors’ highly valuable research. This is why we were so eager to develop this agreement—a first for us in the Americas.” 

Carrie Webster, vice president of Open Access at Springer Nature, added: “Open science is essential to addressing the world’s urgent challenges, and this agreement with the output coming from world-class research institutions will greatly increase the number of freely available articles that can advance science faster and more rigorously while also enhancing transparency, accessibility, and reusability.” 

Beyond publishing, this agreement also grants full read access to the entire Springer Hybrid portfolio across all participating campuses, which includes over 2,200 titles across the Springer, Palgrave Macmillan, and Adis imprints, as well as Academic Journals on nature.com. Participants include Indiana University, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of Oregon, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Chicago.  

Operationally, the contract introduces a radically simplified administrative structure, eliminating multiple legacy agreements and reducing local overhead. The Big Ten Academic Alliance will serve as the central payer for all participating libraries—the absence of APCs results in significantly reduced campus overhead in managing payments. Springer Nature will serve as both service provider and partner, offering automated participating-author identification, dedicated support staff, educational webinars, and marketing tools to assist in local adoption and promotion.  

Through this author- and values-centered agreement, the Big Ten Academic Alliance continues to champion dynamic partnerships such as this one with Springer Nature, which advance scholarly communication, reduce costs, increase the impact and reach of research outputs, and promote open access on a global scale. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Scheib, director of the Scholarly Impact Department at the UI Libraries. 

Authors can also visit the Alliance’s Springer Nature information page for additional details. 

Accessing some e-resources from the University of Iowa Libraries is becoming easier thanks to a new user interface. The resources involved are provided by EBSCO, which offers access to more than 100 Libraries research databases spanning all subject areas. The transition happens on May 26, 2025. 

You will still use the same login credentials for your MyEBSCO account, and your saved searches and records will migrate over. However, the updated interface will look quite different and has been created with a lot of input from students, researchers, faculty, and librarians to make it easier to find the information you need. A Quick Start Guide and a brief (3 minute) video are available to help with the transition. 

Subject librarians are the perfect source of information if you need help navigating the new interface, experience problems, or have some feedback to share. Please find your librarian if you could use some customized assistance. 

The University of Iowa Libraries has funded 12 OpenHawks grant proposals, which will support faculty efforts to replace or avoid high-cost textbooks with Open Educational Resources (OER) for enhanced student success.

The projects, which are set to be completed in January 2027, will save UI students approximately $100,000 in the first year of use alone. These funded OER, which were selected through a competitive application process, will benefit students across a wide range of disciplines, including civil and environmental engineering, physics and astronomy, communications studies, and Asian and Slavic languages and literatures.

Visit the OpenHawks website for more information about the program and read more about each project below.

Bruce Ayati, mathematics

Ayati will convert his set of 35 interactive Jupyter notebooks into a freely available, accessible open textbook tailored specifically to his pedagogical approach and student audience. This OER aims to replace costly and outdated commercial textbooks, better serve non-specialist students, and modernize course instruction at the University of Iowa.

Andrew Crouse, law

Crouse will create a free, comprehensive educational resource to support first-year law students in mastering legal analysis through structured reasoning and legal writing. The resource aims to replace a commercial textbook, enhance student learning across law school, and increase access for underserved students, with development and assessment planned over two academic years.

David Cyzak, music

Cyzak will createa free, multimedia-rich resource that addresses both technical skill development and access barriers in oboe reed-making for students in Iowa and beyond. By replacing costly, outdated materials and engaging underserved rural and urban communities through school visits, feedback loops, and online content, the project seeks to enhance student learning, equity, and statewide educational impact.

Marlan Hansen, otolaryngology (head and neck surgery)

This project will develop open-source hardware for temporal bone holders to support simulated ear surgeries, making surgical training more accessible and affordable. Led by Marlan Hansen, professor and chair of the UI Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and supported by 3D design expert Michelle Higgins, a resident in the UI Department of Otolaryngology, the project aims to benefit underserved learners globally by providing low-cost, reproducible tools for otolaryngology education.

Elke Heckner, German

The project aims to enhance student learning by providing immersive, site-specific visual content tailored to course themes in memory studies, museum studies, and human rights. Heckner’s project will consist of custom video and photographic materials documenting Holocaust, Armenian genocide, and 9/11 memorials and museums, to replace expensive and fragmented commercial texts in three undergraduate courses.

Anna Kolesnikova, Asian and Slavic languages and literatures

This interactive, multimedia OER for Kolesnikova’s course, Russian Sports: Politics, Scandal, Glory (RUSS:2110), will include video lectures, podcasts, written materials, and interactive quizzes to enhance student engagement and accessibility. This OER will replace existing, unstructured course materials with a cohesive and pedagogically effective resource, benefiting both UI students and potentially underserved learners at other institutions.

Beatrice Mkenda, French and Italian

Mkenda has been awarded a grant to develop Beginning Swahili Grammar Explained, a set of audio-based open educational resources designed to clarify foundational Swahili grammar for beginner learners. By providing accessible, culturally relevant grammar instruction, the project aims to improve student engagement and success while reducing educational barriers for underserved and diverse learners.

Isaac Petersen, psychological and brain sciences

Petersen will create an open textbook for teaching statistics through the engaging lens of fantasy football. This resource will be freely available online, offering students an accessible, applied approach to learning statistics and predictive analytics, with a focus on real-world data, critical thinking, and R programming skills.

Jared Stiles, radiology

Stiles has been awarded funding to develop an OER titled Introduction to Radiation Safety & Radiobiology, which will replace an outdated commercial textbook and provide accessible, high-quality learning materials for students in medical imaging and radiation sciences. The new resource will enhance student comprehension, reduce educational costs, and promote equitable access to foundational knowledge critical for safe clinical practice in radiation-related healthcare fields.

Ciara Tapanes and Christine Shea, Spanish and Portuguese

Ciara Tapanes and Christine Shea will develop Sembrando Semillas, a free, online Spanish pronunciation supplement designed to support students in Elementary Spanish I at the University of Iowa. This OER will enhance student confidence and speaking skills through self-guided activities aligned with the existing OER textbook, with a particular focus on accessibility, equity, and representation for underserved student populations.

Sang-Seok Yoon and Joung-A Park, Asian and Slavic languages and literatures

Yoon and Park will develop an open textbook, Intermediate Korean 2, completing a series designed to enhance second-year Korean language education at the University of Iowa. Building on previous successes with OER resources, this project will reduce financial barriers for students, incorporate contemporary Korean cultural content, and foster greater accessibility and engagement in language learning, benefiting both the university and other institutions.

Dale Zimmerman, statistics and actuarial science

Zimmerman will develop Mathematical Basics for Mathematical Statistics, an OER designed to strengthen foundational math skills for statistics students. This OER will improve student success and retention by addressing key gaps in mathematical preparation and providing accessible, tailored support aligned with the demands of the department’s statistics, actuarial science, and data science programs.

The University of Iowa Libraries are pleased to announce an open access agreement with IWA Publishing, an internationally recognized publisher of peer-reviewed research on water, wastewater. and related environmental fields, and subsidiary of the International Water Association. The agreement includes:

1. Unlimited open access publishing by UI-affiliated corresponding authors, without payment of article processing charges (APCs), in all IWA Publishing journals.
2. Read access for the university community to IWA Publishing’s Complete Journals Collection, including over 46,000 research articles dating back to 1996.

By publishing open access, authors retain copyright of their articles, which are published with Creative Commons CC BY, CC BY-NC, or CC BY-ND licenses.

To publish open access in IWA Publishing journals, corresponding authors should submit their manuscript using their UI affiliation and email address—they will be automatically identified as eligible for the agreement. Detailed instructions with screenshots are available.

Open access publishing helps UI research reach a wider audience because it is free to read and not behind a paywall. The IWA Publishing agreement is one of a growing number of open access agreements in which the UI Libraries participates as part of its commitment to support open access. Articles published through this agreement will be added to the UI Libraries Support Open Access collection in Iowa Research Online.

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Scheib, director of the Scholarly Impact Department.

The University of Iowa Libraries honored two staff members with new awards in spring 2025. The recipients were selected by a committee, which reviewed nominations submitted by Libraries colleagues, and recognized during an awards reception.

Kevin Storey
Distinguished Service Award

As a collections and delivery assistant at the Libraries , Kevin Storey plays a crucial role in the daily operations of the Libraries and exemplifies initiative, collaboration, and a service mindset. According to his nominator, Storey is an outstanding ambassador for the Libraries and consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating a friendly, respectful, and compassionate demeanor in all his interactions with colleagues and community partners.

In addition, Storey’s commitment to customer service is evident in his dedication to ensuring smooth and prompt deliveries and transport of materials, which are essential for many library services. His reliability and effective communication have earned him the trust and appreciation of departments across the Libraries. For instance, his teamwork, dedication, and assistance with several exhibit projects in the Main Library Gallery have been invaluable.

The Distinguished Service Award celebrates a Libraries Merit staff member recognized by their peers who shows initiative, promotes a service mindset, values collaboration, and demonstrates respectful and inclusive behavior. The recipient leads by example, is compassionate, and champions opportunities, making a difference to their colleagues, their work, or community.

Katie Peterson
Early Career Award

According to her nominator, Katie Peterson has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments through competency, initiative, and creativity qualities in her first professional librarian position at the Libraries. She serves as a metadata librarian and electronic resources cataloger and her primary responsibility has been managing electronic resources.

Within Peterson’s first year, she fully cataloged and made available electronic books and streaming videos, reorganized collections to improve user access, and de-duplicated bibliographic records, which significantly enhanced the discoverability of Libraries electronic collections. During summer 2024, she updated the majority of streaming video titles to include more accurate language and accessibility information, and her work even influenced a vendor to adopt more inclusive subject headings.

In 2023, Peterson volunteered as the first chairperson of the Libraries’ MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloging) Working Group, refining its responsibilities and guidelines while collaborating effectively with long-standing colleagues. Since February 2024, she has co-chaired the New Hires Interest Group, fostering a welcoming environment for new employees.

The Early Career Award celebrates a Libraries Professional and Scientific staff member recognized by their peers for demonstrated exceptional accomplishment(s) through competency, initiative, and creativity. This award is for early career professional Libraries staff members and mirrors the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence.

Elizabeth Riordan has been named the 2024 recipient of the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence in recognition of her commitment to student and faculty success, elevating the visibility of distinctive collections, and helping people of all ages connect with the University of Iowa Libraries.

Riordan currently serves as lead outreach and engagement librarian in Special Collections and Archives. She’s been enriching the Libraries’ outreach efforts since 2016 when she became a student employee in Special Collections while earning a master’s degree in library and information science at Iowa. During that time, she had the one-of-a-kind experience of preparing papers and artifacts from renowned NBC News journalist Tom Brokaw in Special Collections. Riordan has been a full-time librarian in Special Collections since 2018.

“Liz has significantly increased the reach of Special Collections and the Libraries overall through elevated class visit rates, improving student and faculty satisfaction with the Iowa experience,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King university librarian. “She’s an outstanding advocate for student success, our collections, and the Libraries through her work on campus and in the community.”

Sara Pinkham, Riordan’s nominator and exhibition and engagement coordinator for the Main Library Gallery, says her expertise and deep passion for helping students connect with rare materials is unmatched.

“Liz strives to reach students where they are and often ignites in them an abiding interest in history while introducing them to Libraries collections,” says Pinkham. “Many have their first-ever interactions with these types of collections under Liz’s guidance, and it is clear that her style of instruction and her relatability make infinitely accessible the resources we have to offer.”

Elizabeth Yale, assistant professor in the UI Department of History and Center for the Book, has worked closely with Riordan since 2018 and shared in her letter of support that Riordan has always been a fantastic collaborator.

“She approaches her work with clarity, hospitality, and a deep knowledge of the collections and of object-based teaching methods,” says Yale. “She fosters an environment in which beginning student researchers, in particular, feel welcomed and supported.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Paula Amad, associate professor of film studies in the UI Department Cinematic Arts, who has worked with Riordan in connection with class visits for both undergraduate and graduate students. Amad highlighted several examples of Riordan’s excellence as an outreach librarian, including classes showcasing the Brinton Collection.

“She has been simply superlative in her instruction outreach skills—exposing our students to the richness and cultural complexity of the collections, leading informative discussions, and collaborating productively with me on specific requests for each course,” says Amad. “She has often invited Mike Zahs (who ‘saved’ the Brinton materials). Those classes are a brilliant combination of material-based film history and live performance, and they have engaged our students on multiple levels.”

In addition to her noteworthy achievements in teaching, Riordan has been active with community outreach both on campus and off. She was an integral part of Connected for Life, an Institute of Museum and Library Services-funded program that provided engagement and enrichment to senior citizens in retirement communities during the lonely height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also has helped to network campus GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) staff with other museums and libraries in Eastern Iowa through group educational field trips, strengthening professional bonds and partnerships. She served as president of the ILA/ARCL (the Iowa chapter of the Association of College of Research Libraries) in 2020 and currently serves as co-chair of the Scholarship Committee for the Rare Book and Manuscript Section of the American Libraries Association. In addition, Riordan initiates several pop-up exhibits per year, such as at Lunch with the Chefs on campus, Iowa City Public Library, and more.

And when it comes to interacting with people, Damien Ihrig, curator of the John Martin Rare Book Room at the Hardin Library for Health Sciences added in a letter of support that Riordan “not only understands and supports the needs of our patrons but also connects with the stories and people behind the materials she curates—and she’s always willing to lend a helping hand or be a sounding board for new ideas, whether for instruction, exhibits, or beyond.”

Riordan was formally acknowledged as the recipient of the Benton Award during a staff recognition event in spring 2025.

The Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence is awarded each year to a member of the UI Libraries’ professional staff who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in furthering its mission to serve the university community. In addition to formal recognition, the award includes a grant of $2,000 for professional development that will support Riordan’s research projects or publications related to library services.

The late Dr. Arthur Benton, professor of psychology and neurology at the then-named University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, established the endowment to make this annual award possible.

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

Rich Dana, the Sackner Archive project coordinator librarian, has something fascinating to add to every conversation. With his varied background as a librarian, instructor, artist, and carpenter, Rich will eagerly engage in conversations about everything from Avant-Garde art to the mechanics of early printing machines, like the mimeograph, to historic preservation. At the University of Iowa Libraries, Rich manages a unique archive of over 75,000 items.

This archive travelled from the east coast to the UI Libraries in 2019. The Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry was the personal collection of two collectors who championed some of the world’s most original creators of visual and concrete poetry. Their collection became the largest of its kind and contains items, now housed at the Libraries, that can’t be accessed anywhere else in the world.

Rich has been raising awareness of this extensive resource and making the materials in the collection more accessible to patrons and researchers since 2022 through his position, which is funded by a three-year grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). As a recent example, Rich curated the spring 2025 exhibit in the Main Library Gallery featuring Sackner Archive materials that were important to the collectors. For Ruth and Marvin Sackner, the groundbreaking poem by French Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé was at the headwaters of the artistic and literary movements that became their obsession. The exhibit, A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive, is named after that poem. It aims to construct a timeline of works that illustrate Mallarmé’s influence on the 20th- and 21st-century Avant-Garde art movements while simultaneously helping newcomers make sense of concrete and visual poetry.

In addition to his work at the Libraries, Rich is an instructor at the University of Iowa Center for the Book and the Center for Book Arts in New York City. He is the author of the book Cheap Copies! The Obsolete Press Guide to DIY Hectography, Mimeography & Spirit Duplication. Learn more about Rich and his insight working with the Sackner Archive in the questions and answers below.

Q: When does your job feel most rewarding?
A: I love helping students and researchers discover the incredible stuff in this collection. It is wonderful to meet the scholars from all over the world who visit the University of Iowa just to access the Sackner materials. It’s equally rewarding when I host a class visit, and some undergraduate students hang out after the class ends because they are so energized by what they saw and are full of questions!

Additionally, working with students has been one of the great joys of this job. The student librarians and interns who have chosen to come and work on the Sackner Archive have been just fantastic. Working with these unique materials is challenging, and it takes a certain kind of intellectual adventurousness. I’ve been very fortunate to find students who are curious and have fun with the materials while also being diligent and responsible stewards of the collection.

Q: What is an academic library to you?
A: The Sackner Archive is a perfect example of the importance of an academic library. There are over 75,000 items in the archive, and it’s not practical or possible to digitize everything. There are objects, ephemera, and correspondence that provide insights for scholars, researchers, and authors that they simply cannot access anywhere else in the world.

Q: Share a skill or interest, outside of work.
A: I have always been fascinated by old machines, particularly old printing technology. I like to incorporate these old technologies into my art and writing, in the hopes of reminding people to explore the physical world, the reality outside of their phones.

Q: What might colleagues or students find surprising about you?
A: They might be interested to know that I didn’t get my master’s degree until I was in my 50s. Before that, I worked at a wide range of jobs—everything from carpenter to political lobbyist. I guess the message is: it’s never too late to try something different.

Rich’s exhibit, A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive, is free and open to the public through June 27, 2025. Find visitor information on the Libraries website or learn more about the Sackner Archive on ArchiveSpace.

The University of Iowa Libraries offers students from the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) a unique opportunity to develop their skills and passion through student employment and practicums. Eleanor Ball is one of these students and she stands out through her many positive contributions according to her instructors, supervisors, and peers. Her passion to foster scholarship, empower students, and advocate for libraries are at the heart of Eleanor’s dedication to her work.

Eleanor came to Iowa in the fall of 2023 to earn a Master of Library Information Science, after graduating from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in public health and English in 2022. She quickly made an impression in a SLIS course taught by Katie DeVries, who is a social sciences librarian at the Libraries. This led to Eleanor’s fall 2024 practicum, supervised by Katie. During this time, Eleanor developed and led a 50-minute information literacy session for a Communication Studies lecture section. Throughout the semester, she also staffed the Just Ask Desk, helping patrons with their research needs. Katie was impressed by Eleanor’s dedication and abilities.

“Eleanor maintains a consistent professional presence across contexts,” says Katie. “She exhibits expertise and openness. Students in the classroom and students in consultations seem at ease following Eleanor’s lead and her work in these areas is inspired and thorough.”

Now, Eleanor works with Julie Gaida, electronic resources librarian, as a practicum student in acquisitions and e-resources. The Acquisitions Department purchases resources in all formats for the Libraries to build and maintain collections that meet current and future teaching and research needs. Julie has already seen Eleanor’s meaningful impact in the department.

“Her enthusiasm for learning and her ability to quickly grasp complex concepts inherent within electronic resources work has been remarkable,” explains Julie. “Her strong work ethic, progress, and contributions have been nothing short of impressive.”

After graduation, Eleanor hopes to continue working in academic libraries. She is especially interested in liaison and instruction roles. Read the following questions and answers with Eleanor to get to know her, in her own words.

Q: What attracted you to the University of Iowa?
A: I am from Des Moines, Iowa. I chose to come back to the state for my MLIS because I feel passionate about fostering scholarship, empowering students, and advocating for libraries in our state.

Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Libraries?
A: Through my work at the Law Library and my practicums at the Main Library, I’ve gotten to try a little bit of everything in academic librarianship: technical services, user services, instruction, and—currently—e-resources and acquisitions. At this stage in my career, I’m trying to soak up everything that I can. So, I really appreciate the diversity of learning opportunities I’ve been provided. Plus, librarians are some of the nicest co-workers out there!

Q: How has working at the Libraries impacted you, either personally or professionally?
A: Working at the Libraries provides me with the real-world experience essential for landing a job in my field. The working librarians here are an invaluable resource for my professional development.

Q: What has been your favorite class at Iowa so far?
A: I got my first taste of the world of acquisitions in SLIS: 6345 Stewardship of Information and Collections. This class made me realize that collection development and management aren’t as intimidating as I thought, and it paved the way for me to do my current practicum in acquisitions and e-resources.

After leaving Iowa, Pam was the chief conservator for Special Collections in the Harvard University and College Libraries where she directed the Special Collections Conservation Lab in the Weissman Preservation Center until she retired. Pam also spent time at the Library of Congress and the Newberry Library in Chicago.

Pam’s inquisitive nature is well known by the staff, interns, and students who worked with her. It is said that Pam’s classes, workshops, or tutorials were about asking questions and “trying things out.” She inspired investigation that required making and specifically making models. Pam’s creative work was largely inspired by historical structures, and she was constantly experimenting. Her artist book work and conservation work merged, creating hypothetical books with “what if?” elements that continue to delight and amuse.

Pam created book models while studying book structure and Conservation and Collections Care at the UI Libraries is pleased to house many of them in the Book Model Collection.

You can learn more about Pam and her life as a conservator and book binder in her archive at the UI Libraries and some of her artist books can be found Special Collections.

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

Christine Bellomy is a library cataloger by day and a musician by night (and weekends). Christine has worked her way up through a variety of positions at the University of Iowa Libraries. Beginning as a cataloging student worker in 1989, Christine was later hired as a library assistant II in 2000. With a Master of Library Information Science and a doctorate in clarinet performance and pedagogy, Christine has become a library assistant IV with a music cataloging emphasis in Cataloging, Metadata, and Digitization.

Christine’s work is all about making it easy for students, staff, and faculty to find the information they need. She works behind-the-scenes cataloging materials for the Rita Benton Music Library, including music scores, books, CDs, and DVDs. This can be recording titles, authors, composers, etc. of each material correctly and uniformly. It can also be assigning call numbers and subject headings to materials. This labeling and organizing ensures that users can find what they need with an easy search, can distinguish between different pieces with the same or similar titles (e.g., “sonata” or “symphony”), and, finally, can easily locate physical materials in the Libraries.

Although her work at the Libraries is behind-the-scenes, Christine thrives in front of an audience. She regularly performs with Orchestra Iowa, the Quad City Symphony, and the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. Her passion for live music is contagious. She promotes their performances both by sharing information with friends and colleagues, and by producing short promotional videos. This is where her creativity and fun-loving nature truly shine. You will see this sense of humor in Christine’s answers below, highlighting some of her favorite materials.

Q: What might someone find surprising about your work?
A: Working in cataloging exposes you to a lot of interesting (and sometimes funny) information and resources. I learned that “skiffle” (a genre of folk music) is a thing from cataloging Skiffle Sensation. I laughed when I cataloged Eat That Frog! Action Workbook. I enjoyed this note from composer Alex Shapiro about Circus of Fleas for clarinet, violin and piano: “Life is short. Fleas are short. This piece is short. And fast. Like fleas. Except that unlike fleas, this piece makes a great encore. Fleas: not so much. So step right up! A trio awaits to amuse you with their amazing antics! No fleas were harmed in the making of this music.”

People might also be surprised that reading books is not part of my job description. Finally, people don’t often realize that library-related information is incorporated into a variety of resources beyond the library catalog to assist students with information retrieval. For example, the University of Iowa School of Music Recordings Archive uses the same authorized forms in its metadata to help people find and distinguish things, such as the difference between John Williams the composer, John Williams the classical guitarist, and John Williams the double bass player or between two different Mozart piano sonatas in C major.

Q: How do you see technology impacting your daily work? 
A: We are constantly working to improve our catalog and other library resources to make them more user-friendly and linked to additional resources. We attend webinars and conferences to learn more about how improvements in non-library technology can be integrated into our records and resources to help students find materials even beyond the Libraries using metadata and a variety of international standards (such as authorized name forms and other coded data).

Q: What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers?
A: Explore many different things that interest you. If you have a passion that does not appear to be viable for full-time work, look at possibly related careers that interest you and might allow you to enjoy pursuing both. Be bold and brave and ask questions about things. If there are people you admire, especially in your areas of interest, evaluate what makes them successful and consider contacting them for an interview, lunch, and/or job shadow. You might end up making a connection that benefits your career in addition to learning new things. 

Q: Outside of work, what are your other interests?
A: I am a clarinetist, playing with Orchestra Iowa, the Quad City Symphony, and the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. I also teach private clarinet lessons and enjoy performing with my students in a variety of styles and venues. I have fun creating new educational programs for Orchestra Iowa’s Music in the Schools woodwind quintet program (often using resources from the Rita Benton Music Library) and creating “commercials” for Orchestra Iowa. I consult the Rita Benton Music Library and its staff for many things related to my music work (e.g., information about composers, program note research, information about new works and resources, and access to scores). I spend my spare time reading, especially books in a series so I can follow characters, and playing pinochle and other games with friends and family, especially at El Senor Cactus.

Are you concerned about lowering students’ textbook costs? Do you wish you could develop your own course resources to enhance your teaching? If so, you might consider applying for the OpenHawks grant program at the University of Iowa. 

Over the last several years, OpenHawks has funded over 70 Open Educational Resources (OER) projects across a broad range of disciplines and saved students nearly $2 million to date. Read more about the OpenHawks projects that received funding in 2024–2025.

What is OpenHawks?

OpenHawks is a campuswide grant program that funds instructor efforts to replace their current textbooks with OER for enhanced student success. This program, funded by the Office of the Provost and UI Libraries, is open to any faculty member or graduate student who teaches for-credit courses and medical residencies at the university. If you are concerned about the cost or quality of your existing textbooks and would like to explore OER, this might be just the program you need. There is a range of awards available, depending on the type of project you’d like to complete. OER can include textbooks, course readings, simulations, games, quizzes, and many other tools or techniques used in education. 

Why use OER?

There are many benefits of using OER in your courses, such as:

• Reducing costs for students – By using OER, you can help your students save money and reduce financial barriers to education.
• Improving student learning outcomes – Studies have shown that students who use OER perform as well or better than those who use traditional textbooks and are more likely to complete their courses.
• Tailoring resources to your students’ needs – Because OER are openly licensed, you can amend them, add local examples, even involve your students in editing them.

How to apply for OpenHawks

The program offers five types of grants, ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on the scope and scale of the OER project.  
 
The application deadline for the 2025–2026 academic year is Friday, April 25, 2025. To apply, you need to complete an online Qualtrics application. You can find more information about the application process, eligibility criteria, and evaluation rubric on the OpenHawks website.  

Need help or have questions?

If you are interested in applying for the OpenHawks grant program, or if you have any questions about OER, feel free to contact Scholarly Communications Librarian Mahrya Burnett. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the growing movement of OER at the UI and beyond. Apply for today and make a difference in your teaching and learning! 

Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines depend on the Libraries for academic and research support—but for the thousands of student employees throughout the years, one of its most impactful offerings is on-the-job learning that sets them up for success.

Carmela Furio loves the hands-on nature of their job in the Libraries Special Collections and Archives. As new books arrive at the Libraries, Furio handles them with care, recording relevant attributes for future researchers. The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) student works as a library support lead supervised by Jenna Silver, processing coordinator archivist.

“I’m grateful for the unique opportunity to process and accession manuscript collections as a student worker,” says Furio. “Be it World War II-era love letters, science fiction fanzines, or 19th-century ephemera, it’s amazing to know the materials I work with will go on to support historical narratives far beyond my time at Iowa.”

When Furio started as a library student employee, they were an undergraduate who had just accepted a place in SLIS after applying during their fourth year at Iowa. Already a frequent user of the Libraries, Furio was drawn to the field of library and information science because of its connection to some of their most deeply held values, including open access and community heritage. But before starting the program, Furio wanted to gain familiarity with the libraries they loved from a new perspective: that of an employee.

“It was actually a big worry of mine, not having enough experience before I started my program,” says Furio. “But Special Collections became this wonderful confirmation that library work was for me.”

Furio is one of about 135 students who are employed by the Libraries during any given semester. These student workers fill a variety of roles, and they’re essential to the daily operations of all seven libraries.

“From the Main Library Service Desk to the Annex, our student workers help the Libraries excel as learning environments and community-building spaces,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King university librarian. “We do all we can—through scholarships, mentorship, and other support—to ensure that they get just as much out of the Libraries as they give.” 

The data shows that student library workers feel that support. In fall 2024, half of Libraries student employees were returning to roles they’d had the previous semester, and it’s common for students to continue working for the Libraries throughout their time at the university.

Upon graduation, student library workers also receive their diplomas while wearing Hawkeye old gold honor cords that set them apart as alumni of the Libraries. For many, like Dr. Lisa Kreber (BS ’99), it’s a designation they carry with pride long after they graduate. Kreber is a neuroscientist and multisite director of neurology at the Brain and Spine Institute within Adventist Health in Bakersfield, California. For 25 years, she has dedicated her career to improving results for patients recovering from brain injuries.

“All these years later, I often still think about the job I had working in the Libraries and how that shaped my life,” says Kreber. “It was quite the experience.”

Kreber sought a position in the former Biology Library (which has since been merged into the Sciences Library) immediately upon enrolling at Iowa. At the time, she felt confident about where her path would lead: to medical school, then on to a career as a neurosurgeon or neurologist. Instead, the job offered her something even more precious, revealing new possibilities when her certitude wavered.

“As I took classes, I realized I didn’t like biology as much as I loved psychology and neuroscience,” says Kreber. “My experience in the Biology Library interacting with professors gave me the courage to approach one of my psychology professors, Dr. Mark Blumberg, about becoming a student researcher in his lab.”

Kreber started working with Blumberg while continuing her role at the Libraries. From there, a path began to unfurl before her, including earning a PhD in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“I’m not sure I would have decided to pursue a PhD had it not been for my experiences in the Biology Library,” Kreber says. “The conversations I had there influenced me, and I developed a passion for research.”

Kreber is not the only alum whose job in the Libraries led to a calling. James Fitzmaurice, emeritus professor of English at Northern Arizona University and now an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield (U.K.), began working at the Art Library in 1967 while pursuing a PhD in English.

Without a visual arts background, Fitzmaurice was initially nervous that he wouldn’t know enough to help students at the Art Library. But through daily interactions with faculty and students, Fitzmaurice became interested in the intersections of art and literature.

Eventually, the visual arts found their way into his dissertation, which focused on 18th-century emblem books. His research took him deeper into Special Collections and Archives, where he handled volumes whose illustrated contents would become the core of his academic career.

To this day, Fitzmaurice looks back with extreme gratitude at the encouragement he received from his supervisor at the time, art librarian Harlan Sifford.

“[Sifford] said, ‘Well, if you’re checking in a book and it looks interesting, if there’s no one around, you should just read it,’” says Fitzmaurice. “Because of that, the visual arts have been extremely important in my understanding of literature throughout my career.”

Kreber, too, remembers the names of her supervisors and the lessons they imparted. “I strive to be a boss like Bob [Lane] and Jeff [Dodd] were to me,” she says. “Supportive, compassionate, and always willing to roll up my sleeves to help my team.”

These meaningful supervisory relationships are crucial in setting employment at the Libraries apart from the more than 7,000 other roles for students on campus. And they’re among the threads that bind generations of the Libraries’ student workers—no matter what else changes at the university or in the field of librarianship.

The Art Library’s Jim Hall, library assistant, takes that legacy seriously. In 2023, the students he supervised expressed their gratitude by nominating him for a campuswide award, UI Student Supervisor of the Year. The Pomerantz Career Center selected Hall for the award from a field of 106 nominees.

According to Hall, acting as an effective supervisor and mentor requires two central values: patience and encouragement.

“I try to impress upon student employees that we appreciate them,” says Hall. “Patricia [Gimenez, director of the Art Library] and I want them to know how important they are to the operation of the library, without laying on any additional pressure. It’s really not possible to be too patient.”

And that supportive philosophy clearly resonates with students. According to Hall’s nominators, his mentorship provides the knowledge they need for problem solving and he constantly prioritizes their mental health in the workplace. 

When student employees eventually move into the wider world—as Kreber and Fitzmaurice as well as Hall’s students have—the impact of the Libraries echoes far beyond campus. That’s why Culshaw has expanded opportunities for students to receive the kind of advanced training and scholarship support that have benefited student library workers through the decades.

“Our student workers remain a part of our community all their lives,” says Culshaw, who started his own career with a job at his undergraduate institution’s library. “They are an important part of the Libraries’ story, just as we hope to be part of theirs.”

Whatever happens, the priorities that will define the Libraries’ next chapter are clear, including support for students like Furio, whose time in Special Collections and Archives has affirmed more than their choice of career.

“I’ve gained so many mentors working here, and for the first time ever I can really see a path ahead where I’m happy and feel like myself,” says Furio.

To learn more about how you can support Libraries’ student employees, including advanced students such as Furio, contact paula.wiley@foriowa.org.

Did your time as a Libraries student worker positively impact your life? Please share your thoughts with us at lib-communication@uiowa.edu for inclusion in a future Bindings.

Monday, Feb. 10, marks the start of International Love Data Week 2025!

Love Data Week (Feb. 10–14) is a celebration of data, including data science and data management, held around Valentine’s Day every year. This year’s theme “Whose Data Is It, Anyway?” asks us to examine who owns data and who uses it. So how can the University of Iowa Libraries’ Research Data Services help you year-round?

Get credit for your work

When you share your data through a repository, like our institutional repository Iowa Research Online (IRO), you establish yourself as the creator of the dataset with a preserved record of your work. Repositories preserve and provide access to the data, and provide persistent, unique identifiers (like DOIs) and other information so others can find, understand, and use your data in their own research. Protecting the integrity of the data and enabling others to find and accurately cite your work can broaden your research impact and accelerate research progress. Many funders and publishers encourage or require data sharing.

Data curation adds value

Research Data Services collaborate with researchers to curate their data for sharing in IRO. Data curation encompasses several activities, such as reviewing data files and formats, adding and refining documentation/metadata (e.g., readme files, abstracts, keywords), linking the data to funding sources and publications, and checking for typos and minor errors. These practices go hand in hand with supporting reproducibility and FAIR principles.

 A 2023 survey examining data curation across six academic institutions found that 90% of researchers who used curation services had increased confidence in data sharing after the curation process, 97% believe it enhances data sharing, and 96% agreed that data curation is worth the effort (Marsolek et al., 2023).

To learn more about how Research Data Services can provide valuable assistance, please visit our website or contact us.

Each year, the University of Iowa Libraries recognizes two graduate student employees for their contributions to the institution and the library or department in which they work. Recipients of an Academic Enrichment Award (AEA) receive a scholarship of $2,500 and are selected by a committee based on their application essays and input from their supervisors. The recipients for 2024–25 are Emily Wieder and Luke Ayers. Below, Emily and Luke share insights from their work in the Libraries and how they hope to apply the experience to their future careers.

Emily Wieder grew up in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, moving to Iowa City to study French and francophone world studies in the fall of 2019. Now a third-year PhD student in the Department of French and Italian, she is working on a dissertation focused on the roles of women Surrealists in the French Resistance. Her work in the International Dada Archive in Special Collections and Archives aligns well with her area of study.

Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?

A: After graduating, I hope to become a professor of French and working at the Libraries has equipped me with essential skills for that profession. To name two skills, firstly, my research skills have refined since working in Special Collections. I am much more efficient at locating sources because I know how to navigate the various databases and their features for narrowing a search. I am also very comfortable conducting archival research, which has allowed me to pursue a more innovative dissertation topic than I could have imagined. Secondly, I have developed a keen eye for detail that helps me take careful research notes. When I write, I then easily cite my sources and cite them accurately.

Q: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?

A: What has surprised me most is the networking opportunities that have come up. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the support I get to provide for the Dada/Surrealism scholarly journal. I check citations, offer translation suggestions (French to English; elementary-level support in German), and provide other assistance to ensure the articles match our style guide. When I go to conferences, I often recognize people because I have either read their articles or because they were guest editors. Our connection to Dada/Surrealism breaks the ice.

Lastly, everyone in Special Collections makes it a warm, welcoming environment. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Tim Shipe, whose expertise and kindness never ceases to amaze me.

Luke Ayers is a Master of Arts student in the School of Library and Information Science. Originally from Iowa City, he is now one of the advanced student employees at the Libraries. This means that his work requires specialized training that can often only be achieved with practical experience outside of the classroom. Luke is refining these skills and eagerly expanding his book repair knowledge by working in Conservation and Collections Care, alongside his studies.

Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?

A: Working in Collections Care at the Main Library helped me realize that I wanted to go into libraries as a career, and I really enjoy working in conservation. This has been crucial in narrowing my focus within the Master of Library and Information Science program. The conservation skills I’ve gained through over two years in Collections Care helped me gain an apprenticeship at the Iowa State Historical Society. I’ve also gained skills like navigating the catalog system and managing workflows, as well as honing my interpersonal skills.

Q: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?

A: Two things surprised (and continue to surprise) me about the Libraries: folks who work in libraries come from all kinds of backgrounds, and yet, they are consistently some of the kindest, most enthusiastic people I’ve ever met.

Juliann Pawlowski studies biomedical engineering and works at the front desk of the Sciences Library. Originally from Plainfield, Illinois, she was drawn to the University of Iowa by its welcoming environment. Juliann quickly became involved in campus life when she arrived, joining the American Cancer Society as well as the Society of Women in Engineering student groups.

Juliann’s work at the Sciences Library has been a key part of her college lifestyle, providing a place to meet mentors and friends and develop professional skills. She says the customer service and professional collaboration skills she has learned at this job will directly influence her career after graduation. Pamela Kacena, a library assistant who supervises Juliann, is already impressed by her dedication and growth.

“Juliann has been a wonderful asset to the Sciences Library,” says Pamela. “She is hardworking, friendly, helpful and kind to our patrons and to her fellow coworkers. She loves to work with me on setting up exhibits. She is a joy to work with and we love having her.”

Get to know Juliann in her owns words through the Q&A below.

Q: Working at the Libraries, what did you learn or find most surprising?
A: Something I found most surprising is how much freedom there is to incorporate my creativity. At the Sciences Library, we work on display cases and I have been able to work on multiple of them with my boss. It has been one of my favorite tasks here and I didn’t even start this job thinking I would be able to do something like that. 

Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Libraries?
A: The people! Being at the Libraries since my first year on campus, I have been able to meet so many students. It has been really nice to meet people who are outside my major and get to know them.

Q: What has been your favorite class at Iowa so far?
A: My favorite class has to be either electrical circuits or statics. I think they both taught me a new way of problem solving that I have been able to incorporate into my advance leveled classes.

Q: What might colleagues or students find surprising about you?
A: I may not seem like one, but I am a picky eater!

Q: Outside of work or school, what activities do you enjoy?
A: I really like to travel and visit different parts of the world. I also enjoy going on walks with my two dogs back home—Hazel and Stella.

Student library employees are a crucial part of what makes the University of Iowa Libraries such a valuable, accessible resource for the community on campus and beyond. Student employees work and grow alongside Libraries staff, directing users to needed resources, caring for materials, and contributing their ideas to guide the Libraries into tomorrow.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, 15 undergraduate student employees have been awarded scholarships in recognition of their work. We are proud to celebrate and learn from them as they share how their time in the Libraries has influenced their interests, well-being, and future plans. Be sure to congratulate the following students when you see them at the Libraries!

You can learn more about UI Libraries student scholarships here.

Judy and Mike Greer Scholarship in memory of Mary E. Greer

Brianna Bowers is double majoring in computer science and English and creative writing. Originally from Cypress, Texas, Brianna was drawn to the University of Iowa because it is the Writing University. Through her job at the Libraries, she has also learned many other skills.

“Working in Special Collections and Archives has improved my skills in time management, especially for long-term independent projects. My ability to read French has also gone from nil to not bad.”

Kaleb Schlatter from Runnells, Iowa, studies history and Arabic. He believed the UI Department of History would provide a space to read, research, and think historically and transnationally. Working in Circulation and User Services at the Libraries has also expanded his worldview.

“Working at the Libraries has provided opportunities to practice connecting people with resources and communicating across differences. The communication skills I’ve practiced while working at the Libraries are transferable in every workplace situation—namely, careful listening and clear verbal communication. Working at the Libraries also requires regular engagement with large systems for sorting information, which has helped to refine my research skills.”

Benton Family Music Library Student Employee Scholarship

Maya St. Clair from Ankeny, Iowa, is studying music therapy with organ as her primary instrument. Her goal is to become a board–certified music therapist, helping others every day. Her work at the Rita Benton Music Library continues to develop her organizational and interpersonal skills. Maya says these skills are preparing her for her career and she continues to be impressed by the resources available at the Libraries.

“I am always just so surprised about how many resources the library has! Even though I have been working here for almost two years now, I am still learning about the many features of the library. It is amazing how many materials we have, and how much knowledge our amazing librarians have. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work at the Rita Benton Music Library and learned so much from the people around me.”

Bentz Family Student Employee Scholarship

Sadie Crandall is a student from Marion, Iowa, who is studying anthropology, archeology, museum studies, and ancient civilizations. Her work in Special Collections and Archives is preparing her for a career in museums, libraries, or archaeology. She says she’s developing not just important skills in research, cataloguing, and collections care, but a life purpose and personal passion.

“I feel that our field of service is frequently taken for granted, as is the access to the services that they provide. Before working here, I had never thought deeply about the privilege it is to access information within my community and at my fingertips. Now, the thrill of retrieving the exact information that a patron from the community is seeking is always incredibly gratifying, and I am fueled in knowing that I made a difference by providing access and service. I see my role as serving not the library or myself but the community and even the world. Community well–being has very quickly become my focus and a goal I intend my career to support. The work that I am doing is also important for posterity, and so it is important that I work with all possible attention and passion to benefit the future generations of researchers and readers.”

Adam Holmes has deep roots here, growing up in Iowa City, and now joins other members of his family as a Hawkeye. He will graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering next spring, with a focus area in design and a minor in math.

“Working at the UI Libraries has improved my time management skills. The front desk often requires juggling multiple tasks at once—such as checking out materials, helping patrons, and assisting with tour groups—teaching me to prioritize and manage my time efficiently. At first, it could be overwhelming, and I often needed to ask for help and support from my coworkers. Now, I feel much more organized, independent, and confident during busy times, staying calm and focused on helping others. I’m certain that time management will be important in my engineering career, enabling me to handle complex projects, meet tight deadlines, and remain calm and productive in stressful situations.”

Gracie Pruitt came from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Iowa City because of Iowa’s renowned health sciences program. Now, she is a microbiology major on the pre-med track with a minor in environmental science.

“Because of my position at the Libraries, my time management skills have improved. I also believe that my organization is better because I am tasked with things such as shelf-reading, which is organizing books based on the correct cataloging system. I believe my interpersonal skills are stronger. I am increasing my confidence to help patrons with every shift. I want to be a doctor, and doctors need incredibly strong time management and organization skills. Doctors also must have good interpersonal skills, to stay calm when families of patients cannot be calm themselves.”

Sophia Yuhas is from Victoria, Minnesota, and earning a management degree with an art minor. Working at the Art Library has given her practical experience for her leadership and management studies. She has been involved in training new hires and helping them learn standard operating procedures at the library. She has also enjoyed learning to teach and practicing for a future career in management, while also expanding her knowledge of art history.

“I am constantly surprised by the sheer volume of books we have at the Art Library alone! I am an artist and have always been interested in art history, but getting to talk to patrons about the books they check out has taught me so much about many unique topics I never would have thought to explore on my own. Working at the Art Library makes me excited to learn about as much art history as I can and encourage others to utilize the endless resources we have at the Libraries.”

UI Libraries Student Employee Scholarship

Melissa Calderon, from La Grange Park, Illinois, is studying enterprise leadership with minors in media management and Spanish. Working at the Libraries has enhanced her communication skills through daily interactions with other students. She says it has helped her become more open and effective in connecting with others.

“Since working at the Libraries, I’ve been surprised by how many new people I’ve met! Whether it’s coworkers I might not have crossed paths with or the students who visit the desk, it’s always nice to see a friendly face around.”

Olivia Comer is majoring in journalism and mass communications and communication studies. Originally from Indianola, Iowa, Oliva has volunteered or worked at four Iowa libraries in the last five years. She has learned new things at each place, but her experience at the UI Libraries is unique.

“My work at the Main Library has helped me grow my customer service skills, especially through working in an environment that is deeply connected to the campus and the greater Iowa City community. Because of the Main Library’s large population of student patrons, I’ve learned more about how to help younger and less library-proficient people become more confident using library services. It’s nice to be the face that answers their questions for the first time and introduces them to the many services and materials we have that can make their lives easier.”

Jordyn Johnson grew up a Hawkeye fan in Davenport, Iowa. Now, she is a third–year student at the Tippie College of Business studying entrepreneurial management. Working at the Marvin A. Pomerantz Business Library in the BizHub has strengthened necessary skills for her future career, even outside of the classroom.

“Working at the BizHub has helped me with my focus and problem-solving skills because it’s often loud and full of my classmates and friends. I have learned how to shut out all the noise and distractions when I need to get work done. My problem-solving skills have developed because every shift I get asked a question that is out of the ordinary. Half the time students are a bit frantic when asking the question because they are in a time crunch. Being able to admit you don’t know and find the answer while maintaining composure so that the student feels like they have come to the right place is important. Maintaining composure while problem solving in a time crunch can be applied to most careers.”

Ana Koch grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, and feels lucky to be in a nationally renowned nursing program that also allows her to remain local. She has always had a love for science and has enjoyed interacting with others through volunteering in her community. She looks forward to giving back to her community through nursing by helping people during some of their toughest moments. Until then, she is a busy student and continues to refine her communication abilities by working at the Libraries.

“When I first started working at the Business Library, I was surprised by how lively and crowded the space could become. The space is incredibly interactive and inviting and every day is different! Working here over the past four years has helped me so much with my interpersonal communication skills. When I am at the desk, I am constantly interacting with students and using critical thinking skills to help solve varying problems.”

Alyssa Lemay is majoring in statistics on the statistical computing/data science track with minors in mathematics and computer science. She is from Sussex, Wisconsin, and chose to attend the University of Iowa because she fell in love with the feel of the campus and Iowa City as a whole.

“The people at the University of Iowa and in the community truly care about each other and you can feel this when you come to the university. The amount of people and resources that are at the library to help students and community members is the most shocking thing that I’ve learned at the library. Working with the many research librarians and library staff makes it extremely evident that they care about helping people and connecting them with the many resources the university has to offer.”

Juliann Pawlowski is from Plainfield, Illinois, and was attracted to the University of Iowa because of the welcoming environment for first generation students. She is studying biomedical engineering and sees her role at the Sciences Library preparing her for a career in manufacturing.

“Since I work at the front desk I have learned a lot about communication in a professional environment. Being able to talk to peers, graduate students, and professors has helped me for my future career in engineering since I plan to work in the manufacturing environment!”

Ava Stork came to the University of Iowa from Ankeny, Iowa, because of the welcoming and intellectual atmosphere. Ava was looking for a place where she could grow personally and form meaningful relationships with peers and professors. Now, she is studying environmental policy and planning with a minor in urban studies and a certificate in sustainability. Her work at the Libraries has contributed to developing those meaningful connections, as she interacts with patrons during every shift. In addition to refining her communication skills, Ava has enjoyed and grown from tasks challenging her teamwork and creativity.

“I also feel that I have embraced more skills in creativity throughout my time at the Libraries. Utilizing all of the tools in the library to plan and host various events to engage students has allowed me to employ my own unique ideas, as well as work together with others to create successful exhibits. Teamwork, communication, and creativity are all valuable skills that can be taken into any future job.”

Ken Sullivan is from Iowa City, Iowa. She is grateful for the support and opportunities she has received at the University of Iowa through her unconventional journey through college. She is majoring in interdepartmental studies: health sciences with a global health emphasis with a history minor and medieval studies certificate. Ken’s work at the Libraries is part of that experience, enabling her to grow into a more professional version of herself and providing a network of support.

“What surprised me was how much of a community the Libraries are. My supervisors always want to know how I’m doing, repeat patrons remember me, and my peers who work with me are always a delight to work with. We all help each other out which is different than some of my past jobs since I was not afforded such a supportive and welcoming environment by the people around me. I want to extend a thank you to the Libraries for making my time in college more rewarding.”

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

Chris Childs’ journey in librarianship began when he was seeking a meaningful career. Looking for something beyond “just a job,” Chris’s first step into the world of libraries was as a volunteer. Eventually, he landed at Hardin Library for Health Sciences where he now works as a clinical education librarian. He started out as a liaison to the College of Public Health during his first 10 years at Hardin Library. For the past six years, he has worked as liaison to the College of Pharmacy and College of Dentistry.

Chris works with students, faculty, and staff in one-on-one consultations. Depending on their needs, he trains them to use important resources such as PubMed or EndNote, databases which organize citations and create bibliographies. He also provides support by identifying relevant subject terms or articles for their research projects, and occasionally is a mentor to those who are interested in publishing systematic reviews.

In addition to his career as a librarian, Chris also finds personal fulfillment in traveling and it is obvious as soon as you step inside his office. The space is decorated with posters and artwork from destinations he has traveled on his yearly hiking trips. Hear about his travel goals and how a friend inspired his career in Chris’s own words below.

Q: What inspired you to become a librarian?
A: When I was living in Richmond, Virginia, I met a good friend of mine who was working at the State Library of Virginia. At the time, I was working for a medical billing company, which was just a job for me. I wanted a career and soon realized that I wanted to do what my friend did. I volunteered at the Richmond Public Library for a couple of months and after that, left Virginia to get a Master in Library Information Science at the University of North Texas.

Q: In your opinion, is there an underutilized but valuable resource at the Libraries?
A: Interlibrary loan. Every time I’m introducing the Hardin Library’s services and resources to a class, I always spend a couple of minutes on this. This is such a fantastic resource and I think it’s a shame that not everyone affiliated with the University of Iowa knows about it.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: One of my favorite enjoyments in life is to travel. I take an annual hiking trip every year. My goal is to visit all the national parks or at least all of them in the continental United States. So far, I’ve visited 43 national parks out of 63. It’s difficult to pinpoint a favorite trip as I’ve enjoyed them all. So, I’ll mention my most recent one where one of my stops was at Devil’s Tower National Monument, which I’ve wanted to see since I watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” as a kid. It did not disappoint, and I was in awe of it the entire time I was there. My recommendation for anyone traveling to a national park would be to book your lodging in advance, whether you plan to tent camp, stay in a cabin, or a hotel if the park has one. Depending on the park, you might have to do this six months in advance or more.

Q: Do you have a book recommendation?
A: I’m currently reading The Angels Game, which is the second book in the Cemetery of Forgotten Book series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The first book, Shadow of the Wind, is a book about a book set in gothic Barcelona in the 1940s. It was one of the best books I’d read in a long time.

The LAC actively champions the Libraries and provides guidance and feedback to help UI Center for Advancement efforts to increase support through fundraising, advocacy, and engagement. Members bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences that enrich and broaden the Libraries’ efforts in supporting student success, high-impact research, and creative work.

The LAC had a busy agenda, which included getting out and about around the Libraries and campus. Sara Pinkham, exhibition and engagement coordinator, provided a tour of the fall 2025 Main Library Gallery exhibit, Hawkeye Histories | Sporting Stories. It examined the role sports has played at Iowa throughout the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics and explored Iowa’s first men’s and women’s teams at the turn of the 20th century, the emergence of big-time men’s sports in the mid-1900s, and the rise of women athletes from the 1970s onward.

The group also visited the Marvin Pomerantz Business Library and heard from Kim Bloedel, director of the library in the Pappajohn Business Building’s Biz Hub. The multi-service space is an ideal location for the library to provide assistance to Tippie College of Business students since it also includes a business writing center, tutoring services, and a café.

Barbara McFadden, an LAC member and Stanley Museum of Art docent, guided the group on a tour of its collections, which included the exhibit To My Friends at Horn: Keith Haring and Iowa City. The celebrated pop artist created the previously hidden mural as a gift for Iowa’s Ernest Horn Elementary School.

LAC members had the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Libraries Annex thanks to Maggie Halterman-Dess, Annex coordinator. The 60,000 square-foot-facility is the only off-site high-density library storage facility in the state of Iowa and can hold up to 4.8 million volumes in its temperature controlled environment.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, all the books, films, songs, and art published in the 1920s or earlier are now public domain. Audio recordings up to 1924 are also in the public domain, following slightly different rules of a 100-year copyright, compared to the 95 years for film, literature, and written musical compositions.

When a work enters the public domain, the public no longer needs to seek the artist’s permission to copy or use the work. This opens the door for creative riffs on the classics and makes these materials available free of charge.

So, what are the big titles newly in public domain? The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, and A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf are a few notable literary works. In film, you can find works by legendary directors from Alfred Hitchcock to John Ford. Other works feature Mickey Mouse, the Marx Brothers, Popeye, Tintin, and the musical number Singin’ in the Rain.

Here are some places to check out the newest creative works now in the public domain:

• Hathi Trust Digital Library – These materials from the Google Books Project have been digitized for years, but as of Jan. 1, the full-text is now available to everyone.
• Center for the Study of Public Domain – Duke’s Public Domain Day page has some great selected highlights.
• The Public Domain Review – This journal specializes in mining the public domain.
• The UI Libraries Catalog – Search InfoHawk+ to find digital versions of public domain works.

Interested in finding out more about U.S. copyright law and how to determine a work’s copyright status? The Scholarly Impact Department helps faculty work through complex copyright issues, such as what can be used in the classroom, how to retain your rights as an author, and how to apply Creative Commons licensing. Feel free to email Mahrya Burnett at mahrya-burnett@uiowa.edu to set up a consultation. You might also try the Libraries Copyright Guide. This guide provides the basics on copyright issues, such as Fair Use, seeking permissions, author rights, and licensing.

Charmirose “Sugar” Durante’s journey to the Rita Benton Music Library at the University of Iowa began an ocean away in her home country of the Philippines. It was there that Durante first lifted a violin’s bow and played the opening notes of a lifelong career. Years later, her passion for her instrument has brought her to the United States, where she earned a master’s degree from Western Illinois University before coming to the University of Iowa to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in violin performance. And Durante is now entering her third year as a student library employee at the Music Library’s circulation desk, a role she calls “a big part of my life here in Iowa.”

One of Durante’s favorite perks of her job is finding out about new materials the moment they join the Libraries’ collections; many of these works are so new or rare that they are not yet available or accessible elsewhere. For a musician driven by curiosity, it’s a gift to have the chance to explore these newly acquired scores. It’s discoveries like this, “the broad scope of resources available to patrons,” that characterizes the Music Library, according to Durante.

Durante also places a premium on the time she’s been able to spend working with the Music Library’s full-time staff, including its director, Katie Buehner. With Buehner’s help, she’s been able to request materials that support her own scholarship, including hard-to-find transcriptions of Filipino folk songs, two of which have become part of Durante’s repertoire.

“It was a complicated process, but the scores got here,” says Durante. “And [Buehner is] very helpful in purchasing scores or books that students need in their studies, so the collection is continually growing.”

Of course, work at the circulation desk has a significant interactive component, which has helped Durante build confidence. “I’m constantly talking to patrons,” says Durante. And while Durante loves helping current students find scores, she also has a soft spot for returning alumni.

“Sometimes alumni visit the library and ask to see their thesis or dissertation, and it is always great to see their happy faces when they find them,” says Durante. “They often talk about their own experiences as students, and it is fun to listen to their stories.”

One case that charmed Durante recently involved an alumni couple who dropped by to view their theses. “It turned out that the husband’s thesis was out on loan. He was so happy when he found out that someone had checked his thesis out and was actually reading it—probably citing it, too. He kept repeating ‘I’m on loan!’”

Amy McBeth, a library assistant at the Music Library who works regularly with Durante, has high praise for her supervisee. “[Durante] brings a great attitude, terrific dependability, and an exceptional work ethic to the Rita Benton Music Library,” says McBeth.

After she graduates, Durante hopes that her skills will take her into academia again, this time as an instructor. When that happens, she says she will take the lessons learned during her time at the Music Library and be as helpful to her students as her co-workers were to her.

During her tenure at Hardin Library, Janna made significant strides in enhancing its teaching and outreach programs. She spearheaded comprehensive renovations across all floors of the library, creating an enriched environment for learning and research. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on the library community.

Janna’s professional journey is distinguished by numerous commendations. She was named a fellow of the Medical Library Association (MLA) in 2021, a prestigious honor that recognized her remarkable contributions to the field. Among her many achievements, a few stand out:

• MLA President’s Award, 2020
• MLA Virginia L. and William K. Beatty Volunteer Service Award, 2014
• MLA Board member, 2021–2024
• Editorial Board, Journal of the Medical Library Association
• Midwest Chapter MLA president, 2011

In addition to her professional service, she authored numerous articles and book chapters, which can be explored in Iowa Research Online.

As we bid farewell to Janna, we are also looking ahead. A national search for a new director for Hardin Library will commence in the spring of 2025. We are confident that the foundation Janna has laid will guide us to find a leader who will build upon her legacy.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Janna for her years of service and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Carson Hartzog has been working at the Art Library for three years, since she first arrived in Iowa City from Oswego, Illinois.

When she enrolled as a first-year student, Carson Hartzog was already a few years out of high school. She’d tried her hand at college before and ended up withdrawing, an experience that left her feeling somewhat rattled. She wasn’t sure what to expect from her college experience, especially given her status as a nontraditional student.

“There was a lot of fear for me in coming back to school,” says Hartzog. “I was a bit older than the average student and wasn’t sure how well I’d fit into the student culture. The Art Library was one of the first places I connected to on campus.”

Patricia Gimenez, director of the Art Library, and Jim Hall, library assistant, immediately welcomed her into the library’s light-filled floor in Art Building West.

Hartzog’s return to college has been a resounding success. Now in her final semester, the journalism and social work major is an enthusiastic participant in campus life, including serving as opinions editor for The Daily Iowan. Her interests have also taken her into the wider world, from an internship with the Coralville Community Food Pantry to a summer stint with BlueGAP, a National Science Foundation project that uses storytelling to take action against nitrogen pollution. According to Hartzog, the confidence to pursue these opportunities began behind the Art Library gates.

“I think that’s one of the most crucial moments for any college student—finding a space where you can be yourself while also moving beyond what you sometimes think is possible for yourself,” says Hartzog.

Hartzog’s experience having Hall as a supervisor has been so positive that in 2023 she joined her fellow student library employees in nominating him for UI Student Supervisor of the Year. Out of 106 nominees, the Pomerantz Career Center selected Hall for the honor.  

The appreciation is mutual. Hall praises Hartzog’s “knowledge, experience, reliability, and diligence,” which he says have made her “an integral and vital” member of the Art Library staff.

“Her intelligence, humor, and personality make her a joy to work with and a genuine pleasure to have around,” says Hall.

Though Hartzog is not an artist herself, she says she’s learned a great deal about visual art by osmosis, thanks to friendly library users. She’s also familiarized herself with the Library of Congress classification system, which organizes millions of Libraries resources by subject. One of the things she loves most about the Art Library is its openness to students from all backgrounds and all areas of study.

“Because of the architecture and design that went into Art Building West, students are drawn to it,” says Hartzog. “And I know I’m biased in saying this, but I do think the Art Library is one of the most inclusive spaces on campus. Patricia does an amazing job of curating book displays that represent all of our readers.”

Like many undergraduates, Hartzog is enjoying exploring potential careers. She hasn’t yet pinpointed what comes after graduation, but she knows which values will guide her in the future—and they’re the same ones she’s witnessed in action with her supervisors at the Art Library.

“My end goal in terms of a career is ensuring information is as accessible as possible while also making sure that information reflects as many voices as possible, not just the voices of folks that look like me or share similar experiences,” says Hartzog.

She’s also developed a new litmus test for use in her future career.

“I’m always asking myself: Would I want to work for me? If the answer is no, I know I need to adjust and start asking myself: What would Jim and Patricia do?”

For many students, Andrea Anderson is the first touchpoint with the University of Iowa Libraries and becomes their personal guide to the vast resources available at its seven branches and beyond. From teaching classes to providing support at the Just Ask Desk in the Main Library, Andrea helps students develop important research skills and fosters a sense of curiosity about the information around them. She sees herself as a friendly expert who can bridge the gap between students and the research expectations of their instructors.

Andrea joined the Libraries in the fall of 2023 as an undergraduate engagement librarian, after serving seven years at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) as a library instruction coordinator. She graduated from CSUB with a Bachelor of Arts in history and earned a Master of Library Information Science from San Jose State University.

Now, Andrea’s work goes beyond teaching library and research skills that help students navigate their academic work. She collaborates with colleagues to engage students in a variety of resources and experiences that support holistic student success while they are on campus and in the libraries. Embracing the lasting impact of her work, Andrea approaches her time with students as an opportunity to encourage lifelong learning.

Q: When does your job feel most rewarding?
A: It’s always rewarding to hear from students that something I showed them helped make their academic life a little easier. Sometimes it’s at the Just Ask Desk. Students are surprised by the resources that are so quickly available. Sometimes it’s a faculty member mentioning that students found a workshop helpful. And sometimes it’s a student who just needed to talk their way through an assignment and hear someone tell them they were on the right track. We don’t always get feedback from the help we provide or see the impact it all eventually makes. So, it can be really rewarding to hear back from some of the people we’ve helped along the way.

Q: What is an academic library to you?
A:  To me, an academic library is the heart of an academic community. It includes our resources, but, just as important, it holds our people and their differing ideas and experiences. It’s both a space to just be and it’s also a place where curiosity leads to new knowledge and understanding of people and the world around us.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: In the spare time I don’t have, I enjoy adding miles to my minivan by driving my four children around to their activities/sports, going on long walks around my neighborhood and commenting on my neighbors’ lawns, and attempting to resuscitate all the plants in my yard.

Q: What might colleagues or students find surprising about you?
A: I am currently teaching a first-year seminar on celebrity memoirs. I love memoirs in general but have recently enjoyed diving into this celebrity memoir boom. It’s been interesting sharing different excerpts and seeing themes and experiences that resonate with our students even though most tend to be leading far different lives. So far, my favorite celebrity memoir is Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime.

To find support from Andrea and other librarians, visit the Just Ask Desk in the Main Library or the Contact a Librarian webpage.

Izabella Botto is a second-year student in the University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) from Santa Rosa, California. Her role as an advanced student employee is funded by the University Librarian’s Student Employment Fund.  

A conversation with Izabella Botto makes one thing immediately clear: Botto is a true believer in the Libraries. In her work with the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Department, the SLIS student has taken on an admirable array of responsibilities, from helping students at the Just Ask desk on the Main Library’s first floor to organizing book displays and working to increase the accessibility of library instruction. For Botto, libraries are a lifelong point of connection.

“I chose the SLIS program at Iowa because libraries have always been a big part of my life,” says Botto. “And as a history student during undergrad, I loved working and studying in the library.”

Botto’s dedication and adaptability have amazed her supervisor, Katie DeVries, a social sciences librarian and SLIS instructor.

“Izabella holds herself to lofty standards,” says DeVries. “She never shies away from learning something new, whether it’s a new research topic or a library work process. Our department can rely on [Botto’s] efforts.”

Botto received a BA from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and spent a year before graduate school studying visual arts in Florence, Italy. When she returned to Iowa to begin her graduate program, she applied the same adventurous spirit to her studies—and her student employment with the Libraries. She’s quickly become indispensable to DeVries and her colleagues in HSS, who prize her ability to take on tasks in areas previously unfamiliar to her. That has included stepping in to hold office hours for students in the Nonfiction Writing Program. Botto has applied herself enthusiastically to the role, viewing it as an exciting opportunity to learn on the job. As she takes on more advanced work, Botto has especially come to value the mentorship she’s received from DeVries.

“I’ve loved all my professors, but before this position, I’d never really had a mentor,” Botto says. “[DeVries] has all these great ideas and experiences and has really helped guide my work. It’s been very important to me.”

Botto also was nominated and selected to serve on the Ada M. Stoflet Lectureship Committee, an internal body that works together to select the recipient of Ada M. Stoflet Lectureship. The event brings experts in the field of librarianship to campus to deliver a lecture on a topic of interest to Libraries staff and other professionals in the field. Botto, the only student employee on the committee, says she looks forward to bringing lecturers to campus to benefit the Hawkeye community.

“I think it’s a really amazing opportunity to sit down and hear what the other people on the committee have to say,” says Botto. “We can bring in lecturers with different areas of specialization who can speak on what’s happening in the field.”

Botto’s inclusion on the committee will make all the difference, according to DeVries. “In small project teams she listens intentionally,” she says. “Her insights improve project outcomes. She is self-motivated and confident, willing to take risks and apply for new opportunities. We feel lucky to have a student employee like her.”

After she graduates in May 2025, Botto hopes to become a liaison librarian, connecting students and faculty with the world of resources academic libraries offer. Along the way, she says she also hopes to take part in initiatives to modernize and improve the field, including digital library exhibitions and the decolonization of archives. She believes her time at the Libraries has prepared her well to do just that.

“I’m excited to be gaining experience working in an R1 institution and hope to continue fostering student research and sharing all the resources that the Libraries have to offer,” says Botto. “Iowa has been a wonderful opportunity to explore my interests and prepare me for a future career in academic libraries.”

Inside the University of Iowa Libraries is your look behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the stories making our organization unique and valuable. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.

Being forklift certified is not typically a part of a librarian’s job requirements, but Maggie Halterman-Dess operates one daily to reach shelves up to 22 feet high at the University of Iowa Libraries Annex. The unique skill allows Maggie and her team to be the connection to more than 2.1 million items in storage at the Annex, which the university community and beyond can request for delivery to the seven library locations and other offices on campus.

Maggie has served as the Annex coordinator since 2017, managing the only offsite high-density library storage facility in the state of Iowa. It’s a temperature-controlled environment that can hold up to 4.8 million items.

In her role, she provides circulation and interlibrary loan services to patrons, supervises the Annex staff, coordinates collection storage in the stacks warehouse, and processes materials moved from campus libraries. She also collaborates with Special Collections and Archives and Conservation and Collections Care staff to ensure safe storage and housing environments for a variety of physical content formats, including 16mm film, archival collections, microfilm, microfiche, books, and software.

A proud UI School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) alumna, Maggie is active in the Iowa Library Association and the Iowa Association of College and Research Libraries chapter. In September 2024, Maggie also started a temporary assignment serving as the supervisor for the Main Library’s Interlibrary Loan and Document Services, splitting her work time between the two locations.

Speaking of the Main Library, Maggie had a big and very special life event take place on the fourth floor. We propose that you read Maggie’s Q&A below to find the full story.

Q: How does your work support student success?
A: My role is largely “backstage” or “behind the scenes,” but it directly impacts how our students and campus community experience the Libraries. If we are doing our work right, resources just seem to magically appear on the hold shelf or are delivered via e-mail. Sometimes this involves more than a little bit of detective work on our end! That could be either trying to correct a citation, or merely figuring out why the catalog won’t allow a request to be put through.

Since my position and job duties are fairly unusual, I am always happy to speak with SLIS classes or have them visit us for a tour. It can be very difficult to get your head around the way materials are shelved at the Annex, or the sheer scale of both the collections and the facility! I never imagined doing this when I was in graduate school. So, I really value exposing students to a different way to “library.” I might not inspire a burning love of collections storage, but I hope to get them imagining more expansively what working in the library field might include.

Q: What might someone find surprising about your work?
A: I know it’s a clichéd joke that nobody goes to library school and learns to troubleshoot printers, but I have learned a ton about environmental engineering and HVAC systems in my work, as well as getting forklift certified.

Q: How did you find your way to the Libraries?
A: I was taking a health-related leave of absence from finishing my undergraduate degree here at Iowa and met someone working as a media specialist (though not a teacher librarian) in a middle school and thought, “Hey, I could do that!’”

Cue copious research and applying to library school. During my time in SLIS, I taught information literacy and worked in the Iowa Women’s Archives. Then, I bounced in and out of the Libraries due to life circumstances for a bit before landing out at the Annex.

Q: What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers?
A: My dad told me when I was in undergrad not to get too stuck on one path. He had five different majors and, at the time of this conversation, he really enjoyed what he had ended up working on. However, when he had first joined his company, that kind of role didn’t exist. Technology had changed just that much in just the dozen or so years in between. So, given that advice and my own unusual experience, I would advise keeping an open mind, staying curious, and being aware that the world is going to change a lot over the course of your working life.

Q: What might colleagues or students find surprising about you?
A: I often speak about my strong family connections to the university. My parents are alumni who met back when Currier Hall had a cafeteria for their mutual friends to hang out in, and my two siblings and I hold five degrees from Iowa between us. But something I don’t think I mention often publicly is that my spouse proposed to me on the fourth floor of the Main Library in the “PL” section.

To request materials from the Annex, search for them on InfoHawk+.

The senior from Iowa City is entering his fourth year as a library support associate at the Lichtenberger Engineering Library.

Jiberle Mustefa’s final undergraduate year is underway. In May 2025, he’ll cross the stage at graduation to receive a BBA in management and a certificate in international business. But he’s also on track for another milestone: four years of student employment at the Lichtenberger Engineering Library. For Mustefa, the sight of the finish line has prompted a surge of reflection.

“[The Engineering Library] has been central to my experience as a Hawkeye and my exposure to the community.” Mustefa says. “It has been the primary way that I have built connections, through interactions with people who were first patrons or coworkers and then became friends; it’s been the place on campus that I have spent the most time.”

Mustefa’s time at the Engineering Library has been foundational to his college experience, in part because his employment began right away with a placement through the First Gen Hawks program. The program aims to provide incoming first-generation students with holistic support, and that includes matching interested first-years with campus jobs where they can receive mentorship.

One of Mustefa’s primary mentors at the Engineering Library is his supervisor, James M. Cox, public services and emerging technologies librarian. Cox, who was once a first-generation student himself, has watched Mustefa’s personal and professional development with admiration.

“It has been a true pleasure to witness [Mustefa’s] growth in skills, confidence, and engagement with the university,” says Cox. “His journey exemplifies the benefits of student employment that we strive for, and he epitomizes what it means to be ‘outstanding.’”

Mustefa has plenty of praise for the Engineering Library, too, which he believes is among the university’s friendliest environments. “The full-time staff really make an effort to make the space welcoming, and you can really feel it once you walk through the doors,” he says. “I genuinely feel like it might be one of the most social places on campus.”

Observing the Engineering Library’s operations and assisting the students, faculty, and researchers who form his user base has also been beneficial to his studies. Mustefa has chosen the human resources (HR) track within his major, and he hopes to have a long career in the field.

According to Cox, Mustefa’s “friendly nature and strong work ethic” make him a natural when it comes to interpersonal communication and relationship-building, and his skills have only grown.

“He has encountered nearly every situation at the Service Desk,” Cox says. “These experiences enable him to deliver exceptional customer service to our library users and mentor fellow student employees.”

Mustefa arrived on campus in August 2021 with clear goals: to learn, to open his mind to new people and experiences, and to become part of the Hawkeye community. He now credits his work at the Engineering Library with helping him achieve them.

“I can say with absolute certainty that this position at the Engineering Library was able to do that for me, thanks be to God,” says Mustefa. “I always imagine that in the future, when I look back on my time in college, the Lichtenberger Engineering Library will be the first place my mind goes to.”

Welcome to day three of International Open Access Week 2024. Today, we’re going to focus on the Libraries’ open access agreements, which remove financial barriers for University of Iowa authors on the path to freely and openly sharing the results of their research.  

Gold OA (or publisher-facilitated OA) accomplishes the goal of making your work open and available to readers everywhere. But publishers pass along the costs of publication to authors in the form of Article Processing Charges (APCs). Depending on the journal, these fees can be quite expensive (for example, the APC to publish OA in Nature is $12,290), creating barriers to OA publishing for authors without grants or other funding. 

To expand the OA publishing options for UI authors, the Libraries has entered into open access agreements with publishers. Under these agreements, the Libraries pay publishers a single fee to give UI authors the opportunity to publish open access in their journals without paying APCs. The Libraries has contracted 18 open access agreements so far, with major scholarly publishers like Wiley, American Chemical Society, and Cambridge University Press. The terms of the agreements can differ, but eligibility is determined at the point of submission or acceptance, to make the process as easy and seamless as possible for authors. 

Since the Libraries entered our first OA agreement in 2019, UI authors have saved over $3.36 million in APCs to publish hundreds of OA articles.  

We’re negotiating new agreements with publishers whenever possible, so check the list of OA agreements or contact us to find out if you can publish your article OA for free. 

International Open Access Week 2024 is here! This year’s theme is “Community over Commercialization” —and from Oct. 21 to 27, the Libraries is highlighting some of the many ways you can leverage community resources and support to make your work open access (OA) for free.

Welcome to day two of International Open Access (OA) Week 2024! The goal of this year’s celebration is to “prioritize approaches to open scholarship that serve the best interests of the public and academic community.”

When it comes to Open Access, conversations frequently revolve around journals and publishing, and those will be the subject of other posts. But today, I want to highlight another increasingly important subject: open access to research data.

If you want to share your data, there are an increasing number of sustainably managed and supported data repositories to choose from. NIH lists 147 domain repositories, and there are also a variety of repositories specific to science, social science, engineering, and other domains.

The Libraries’ Research Data Services offers several resources to enable data sharing and access. These include our institutional repository, Iowa Research Online (IRO), for data; curating data deposits in IRO; and resources and consultations on data management and sharing plans for grant proposals.

Data sharing can demonstrate a researcher’s commitment to transparency, reproducibility, and accelerating research. A Pew survey found that the public puts greater trust in research when the associated data is accessible.

Certainly, there are legitimate reasons to not share certain data or restrict access, e.g., to protect human research participants. Some repositories, especially those supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are specifically designed for restricted access data. But in many cases, researchers, funders, and the public have a vested interest in access to preserved, well-described research data. Data sharing via repositories is increasingly emphasized by funders (see the 2023 NIH policy) and other stakeholders, including publishers and professional societies. This is because sustainably managed repositories preserve data integrity, make it discoverable and citable, and provide context and usage information.

In addition to repositories, academic communities, and research-funding institutions can work together in support of systems that enable open access to well-described research data. Groups such as the Coalition for Open Access Repositories, Research Data Alliance, nonprofit and governmental funding organizations, and professional societies and associations are working to develop and refine policies, standards, tools and incentives to facilitate reasonable data sharing.

These communities and partnerships have developed domain repositories, tools, methods, and best practices that enable data to be preserved, discoverable, and openly accessible. As noted above, the Libraries support and curate data deposits in our institutional repository, IRO, but we also help researchers identify an appropriate domain repository if that is a better fit. And the Libraries, in partnership with the Division of Sponsored Programs and ITS-Research Services are working together to encourage and enable researchers to take advantage of local and national resources for data sharing.

To learn how to make your data open, please contact Research Data Services for assistance.