INVESTING IN OUR NOW AND FUTURE
We’re halfway through the fall 2025 semester and seeing a substantial increase in the number of visitors to our seven libraries. Our public-facing and behind-the-scenes staff continue to listen, learn, and provide strategic support to our campus community and beyond.
Looking back and celebrating the Libraries, we hope you enjoy learning about our student employee scholarship and award recipients (page 4 and 8) and going Inside the Libraries with two of our incredible staff (page 10). In addition, Liz Riordan, lead outreach and instruction librarian for Special Collections and Archives, was recognized with the 2024 Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence, the Libraries’ highest honor (page 14).
I’m always amazed at the creative and educational exhibitions throughout the Libraries and hope you enjoy going behind the scenes on A Roll of the Dice , the Main Library Gallery spring 2025 exhibit (page 26), as well as exploring the current exhibit highlighting paper engineering across genres (page 30).
Our generous philanthropic supporters make it all possible. We celebrated the investiture of Kate Orazem in the Libraries’ second endowed position—the Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist (page 18). A gift from the longtime Iowa legislature and her granddaughter created this new position focused on collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Iowa women in politics. In addition, the former “Friends of the Libraries Fund” is now the University Libraries Excellence Fund to better reflect how gifts are used (page 40)—and we’re excited to share some of Libraries’ newest funds, which were established thanks to the generosity of some of our most loyal supporters and impact areas and initiatives that are vital to the Libraries (page 41).
Finally, thank you for taking time to discover how, together, we strategically support student success and high-impact research—now and in the future.
John Culshaw
Jack B. King University Librarian
IN THIS ISSUE
15 undergraduate student employees earn scholarships for 2024–25
Two graduate student employees recognized with academic enrichment awards
Inside the Libraries
Behind the scenes with Chris Childs and Christine Bellomy
Special Collections and Archives’ Elizabeth Riordan recognized with 2024 Benton Award for Excellence
New staff awards bestowed to Kevin Storey and Katie Petersen
UI Libraries celebrate investiture of Orazem in second endowed position
Kate Orazem officially appointed as Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist
Our Libraries, by the numbers
Bruce Harreld portrait added to Main Library Presidential Portrait Gallery
Bringing exhibitions to life: Behind the scenes of A Roll of the Dice
New exhibition in the Main Library Gallery explores paper engineering across genres
Quick hits
Each of our libraries brought its own personality and programming to the spring 2025 semester
Christie Krugler reflects on serving as chair of the Libraries Advancement Council
Opportunities to support the Libraries
student library workers receive SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2024–25 15 15
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. We’re grateful that these dedicated students make time alongside their classes to work with us, 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 were 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.
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.
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.
BENTON FAMILY MUSIC LIBRARY STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP
Maya St. Clair from Ankeny, Iowa, studied music therapy with organ as her primary instrument and the goal of becoming a board–certified music therapist to help others every day. She graduated in May 2025, and her work at the Rita Benton Music Library developed her organizational and interpersonal skills. Maya says these skills helped prepare her for her career and she was continually impressed by the resources available at the Libraries.
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 developed not just important skills in research, cataloguing, and collections care, but a life purpose and personal passion.
Adam Holmes has deep roots here, growing up in Iowa City, and then joining other members of his family as a Hawkeye. He graduated in May 2025 with a degree in mechanical engineering, with a focus area in design and a minor in math.
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.
BENTZ FAMILY STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP [CONTINUED]
Sophia Yuhas is from Victoria, Minnesota, and earned a management degree with an art minor in May 2025. Working at the Art Library gave her practical experience for her leadership and management studies. She was involved in training new hires and helping them learn standard operating procedures at the library. She also enjoyed learning to teach and practicing for a career in management, while also expanding her knowledge of art history.
UI LIBRARIES STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP
Melissa Calderon , from La Grange Park, Illinois, studied enterprise leadership with minors in media management and Spanish, graduating in May 2025. Working at the Libraries enhanced her communication skills through daily interactions with other students. She says it helped her become more open and effective in connecting with others.
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.
Jordyn Johnson grew up a Hawkeye fan in Davenport, Iowa. Now, she is a fourth–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.
Ana Koch grew up in Iowa City and feels lucky to bepart of a nationally renowned nursing program that also allowed her to remain local. She has always had a love for science and has enjoyed interacting with others through volunteering in her community. Graduating in May 2025, she is proud to give back to her community through nursing by helping people during some of their toughest moments and is grateful for the opportunity to refine these communication abilities by working at the Libraries.
Alyssa Lemay majored in statistics on the statistical computing/data science track with minors in mathematics and computer science, earning a degree in May 2025. 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.
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.
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.
Ken Sullivan is from Iowa City. He is grateful for the support and opportunities he received at the Iowa through his unconventional journey through college. He earned his degree in May 2025, 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 enabled him to grow into a more professional version of himself and provided a network of support.
TWO GRADUATE STUDENT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AWARDS
FROM THE UI LIBRARIES
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 Luke Ayers and Emily Wieder. Luke and Emily share insights from their work in the Libraries and how they hope to apply the experience to their future careers.
LUKE AYERS
Luke Ayers earned a Master of Arts from the School of Library and Information Science in May 2025. Originally from Iowa City, he was one of the advanced student employees at the Libraries. This means that his work required specialized training that can often only be achieved with practical experience outside of the classroom. Luke refined these skills and eagerly expanded 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?
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 was crucial in narrowing my focus within the Master of Library and Information Science program. The conservation skills I gained through over two years in Collections Care helped me earn an apprenticeship at the Iowa State Historical Society. I 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?
Two things surprised (and continued 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.
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.
EMILY WIEDER
Emily Wieder grew up in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, moving to Iowa City to study French and francophone world studies in the fall of 2019. She is a PhD student in the Department of French and Italian, working on her 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?
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?
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.
inside the LIBRARIES
Chris Childs
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,” Childs’ 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.
Childs 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, Childs 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 Childs’ own words.
Q: What inspired you to become a librarian?
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 of Library Information Science at the University of North Texas.
Q: In your opinion, is there an underutilized but valuable resource at the Libraries?
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?
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?
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.
To check out books, journal articles, and other research materials not owned by the UI Libraries, visit the Interlibrary Loan webpage.
inside the LIBRARIES
Christine Bellomy
Christine Bellomy is a library cataloger by day and a musician by night (and weekends). Bellomy has worked her way up through a variety of positions at the University of Iowa Libraries. Beginning as a cataloging student worker in 1989, Bellomy 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, Bellomy has become a library assistant IV with a music cataloging emphasis in the Cataloging, Metadata, and Digitization at the Main Library.
Bellomy’s work is all about making it easy for students, staff, and faculty to find the information they need. She works behind-thescenes cataloging materials for the Rita Benton Music Library, including music scores, books, CDs, and DVDs. This can be documenting titles, authors, composers, etc. 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 behindthe-scenes, Bellomy 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. This is where her creativity and fun-loving nature truly shine. You will see this enthusiasm and humor in Bellomy’s answers below.
Q:
What might someone find surprising about your work?
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.”
Q: How do you see technology impacting your daily work?
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:
Outside of work, what are your other interests?
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.
To explore music scores, recordings, books, and media in all formats, visit the Music Library webpage
RIORDAN RECEIVES 2024 University
BENTON BENTON BENTON LIBRARIAN'S LIBRARIAN'S LIBRARIAN'S AWARD for EXCELLENCE
Elizabeth Riordan was 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 firstever 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.”
continued on page 16
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.
The late Dr. Arthur Benton, professor of psychology and neurology at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, established the endowment to make this annual award possible.
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.
STOREY, PETERSON RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO UI LIBRARIES
The University of Iowa Libraries also 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 (MAchineReadable Cataloging) Working Group, refining its responsibilities and guidelines while collaborating effectively with long-standing colleagues. Additionally, she has co-chaired the New Hires Interest Group since Februrary 2024.
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.
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.
ui libraries celebrate
INVESTITURE OF ORAZEM IN SECOND ENDOWED POSITION
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
continued on page 20
Left to right: Kate Orazem, Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist; Michael Eynon-Lynch; and Jean Lloyd-Jones.
Left to right: Meredith Kite, IWA collections archivist; Kate Orazem, Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal EynonLynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist; Anna Holland, IWA associate curator; and Janet Weaver, IWA curator
Left to right front: Michal Enyon-Lynch, Jean Lloyd-Jones Left to right back: John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian; Kate Orazem, Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist; Lynette Marshall, president and chief executive officer of the UI Center for Advancement; Kevin Kregel, UI executive vice president and provost.
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.
Michal Enyon-Lynch and Jean Lloyd Jones look at the medallion bestowed on them during Kate Orazem’s investiture ceremony for the position endowed by their generous philanthropic support.
“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.”
Her dedication to this expansive political collection is unmatched[...]
“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.
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.
Left to right: Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist Kate Orazem and Jack B. King University Librarian John Culshaw.
and
Provost Kevin Kregel; Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal EynonLynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist Kate Orazem; Jack B. King University Librarian John Culshaw
“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.
Left to right: Executive Vice President
by the numbers
1.5M ENTRIES into the seven libraries across campus
29,796
REQUESTS for research support, a resource location, or other assistance
20,968
5,561
VISITORS
experienced the Main Library Gallery’s spring 2025 exhibit
PARTICIPANTS were impacted through 838 instructional sessions
This marks the highest attendance for an exhibit since the gallery opened in 2016
568,484
RESEARCH GUIDE DOWNLOADS
Out of the 474 published research guides, the Evaluating Online Information research guide is the most frequently accessed with 32,306 views in the last year
Between Hardin Library for the Health Sciences and the Main Library, 3D interactive anatomical models that make learning more effective were checked out
15 STUDENTS received scholarships for their work at the Libraries
500
FEET
of Special Collections material— documents, books, and more— were processed and made available to the public
1,796
TIMES
12
OPENHAWKS PROPOSALS
approved, which support faculty efforts to replace or avoid high-cost textbooks with Open Educational Resources (OER)
HARRELD PORTRAIT ADDED TO UI MAIN LIBRARY
PRESIDENTIAL GALLERY
The University of Iowa’s Presidential Portrait Gallery gained its newest addition—an oil painting of 21st president J. Bruce Harreld—in April 2025.
Many people, including UI President Barbara Wilson and President and Chief Executive Officer of the UI Center for Advancement Lynette Marshall, gathered in the Gallery on the fifth floor of the Main Library as Harreld and his wife, Mary, unveiled his portrait. The piece was created by Maquoketa, Iowa, artist Rose Frantzen, who also painted the portrait of Past President David Skorton.
Support for the Presidential Portrait Gallery is made possible by the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, the Office of the President, and the Libraries.
Learn more about the Presidential Portrait Gallery
John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian, speaking at the gathering
All
Top photo: Past President Bruce Harreld and Mary Harreld
Bottom left: Oil Painting of Past President Bruce Harreld by Rose Frantzen
Bottom right: Past President Bruce Harreld with Rose Frantzen and Charles Morris
photos by Tim Schoon, University of Iowa Office of Strategic Communication
BEHIND THE SCENES OF A ROLL OF THE DICE WITH LAUREN COGHLAN
by Sara J. Pinkham and Krista Hershberger
As the creative coordinator for the University of Iowa Libraries, Lauren Coghlan manages visual design across all seven libraries, creating everything from print materials to signage. As an artist, Coghlan is always especially excited about one of the more unique challenges of the job: creating the look and feel for Main Library Gallery exhibitions.
"As the exhibit designer, it’s my job to create and facilitate production of all printed collateral for each exhibit,” explains Coghlan. This includes the panels inside the cases and on the walls, vinyl on the walls and windows, exhibit guides, artwork labels, posters, digital slides, and any other pieces unique to a specific project. Coghlan loves that no two exhibits are the same. “I have total creative freedom and it’s great to be more artistic and work with my hands more,” she says.
While guest curators for each Main Library Gallery exhibit do research, select objects for display, and write the educational narrative— Coghlan ensures that the presentation is visually compelling and immersive through graphic design.
“The overall feel of the exhibition is a collaboration between myself and the curator,” says Coghlan. “The curators often have some idea of what they are looking for, but it’s my job to interpret those ideas into a cohesive look for each exhibit.”
Coghlan brainstormed design
concepts with guest curator Rich Dana, the Sackner Archive Project coordinator librarian for Special Collections and Archives, for the spring 2025 exhibit, A Roll of the Dice:
Symbolism in the Sackner Archive. Coghlan chose a bold aesthetic with red and black colors. She was influenced by both specific objects in the exhibit and Dadaism, the broader art movement which inspired some of the works.
A Roll of the Dice follows the influence of an 1897 work by French Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé. His avant-garde poem, “Un coup de dés jamais n’abolira le hasard” [A throw of
The curators often have some idea of what they are looking for, but it’s my job to interpret those ideas into a cohesive look for each exhibit.
the dice will never abolish chance], ultimately contributed to graphic design as we know it today by challenging print design customs of the time. The pioneering poem later lent
itself well to Dada artwork and showed up frequently during this brief movement in postWorld War I Europe (ca. 1915-1922). Similar to the poem itself, Dadaism challenged traditional notions of beauty and form through art. Since then, artists and writers have continued to explore the mystery of “Un coup” and its revolutionary layout by reprinting and creating their own versions of the poem, or crafting works influenced by it, through a wide variety of mediums.
“I was inspired by the design of many covers of ‘Un coup,’ many of which feature a white background, black and red borders, and red and black text,” says Coghlan. “On a broader level, I was inspired by Dadaism. Dada
designers often used black, white, and red elements along with bold, condensed typefaces in their designs.”
Once design is finalized for an exhibit and printed panels have arrived, Coghlan also helps with installation alongside other Libraries colleagues. Exhibit production for the Main Library Gallery involves a core project team that works for months ahead of opening day. Exhibition and Engagement Coordinator Sara Pinkham manages the production process and logistics for each exhibit from start to finish, along with directing day-to-day gallery operations. Conservator Technician and Exhibit Preparator Bill Voss starts building custom display mounts for each object weeks before installation begins, ensuring that selected materials are shown safely and elegantly. University Conservator Giselle Simón determines conservation treatment needs for materials ahead of display, handles necessary framing, and helps facilitate item loans. Simón, Voss, and their colleagues in Conservation and Collections
Care carry out prescribed treatments before exhibit installation. This can mean careful removal of adhesives, binding repairs, gentle cleaning, and more depending on the conditions of the selected materials.
A Roll of the Dice featured
Lauren Coghlan, creative coordinator, University Libraries
a few unique endeavors for the Main Library Gallery, including an extensive vinyl installation around the inside perimeter. Coghlan designed, printed, and applied the vinyl, along with support from the team.
“This piece required a lot of forethought, but seeing it come together—and that my math was correct—was fun,” Coghlan remarks. “I also conquered my fear of ladders after having to be on one for over twelve hours to install the vinyl on the walls.”
When asked what advice she would give to graphic design students working with larger physical
spaces, Coghlan emphasized accessibility and user experience along with logistical preparation.
“Put accessibility into the forefront of the design process,” she says. “This includes thinking about the space needed to maneuver wheelchairs, placing wall panels at accessible heights, color contrast for increased legibility, and choosing font sizes for effective reading. I am always learning about how I can increase accessibility in my work, and I encourage others to do the same. I also strongly recommend taking the time to create to-scale mockups of the space you're designing for. I’ve found it extremely helpful to have all decisions about installation layout and measurements made before installation begins.”
If you missed it during the 2025 spring semester, view the A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive exhibit guide, curator highlights, and more on the Main Library Gallery website on the past gallery exhibits page at lib.uiowa.edu/gallery
Rich Dana stands in the midst of his curated exhibition, A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive
NEW EXHIBITION IN THE MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY EXPLORES PAPER ENGINEERING ACROSS GENRES
By Sara Pinkham, with contributions from Damien Ihrig and Elizabeth Yale
Paper has been used across cultures and throughout the centuries to entertain, share knowledge, and express creativity. The fall 2025 Main Library Gallery exhibition, Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education, illuminates the enchanting and sometimes peculiar world of paper technologies and movable books.
Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education invites guests to explore a variety of both surprising and familiar historic and contemporary materials from University of Iowa Libraries collections. Flap books, pop-ups, tunnel books, volvelles, paper toys, books that use paper to make sounds, games, woven paper cloth, and paper musical instruments are included in this thoughtfully curated showcase of treasures from Special Collections and Archives and the John Martin Rare Book Room at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences.
The exhibition was co-curated by Elizabeth Yale, assistant professor in the Department of History and the University of Iowa Center for the Book; Damien Ihrig, curator of the John Martin
EXHIBITION PREVIEW
Rare Book Room at the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences; and Giselle Simón, university conservator and director of Conservation and Collections Care at the Libraries.
The curators hope visitors will enjoy the unexpected, fun connections between items from across genres and time periods that are not typically in juxtaposition with one another.
Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education will be on display in the Main Library Gallery from Aug. 25 through Dec. 19, 2025. All are welcome to visit and to participate in free events related to topics explored in the exhibition, which can be found on the Main Library Gallery’s webpage .
A supplement to Myology: containing the arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatics of the human body, the abdominal & thoracic viscera, the ear and eye, the brain, and the gravid uterus, with the fœtal circulation, by Edward Tuson. London: Callow & Wilson, 1828. John Martin Rare Book Room [FOLIO QM151 .T89 1828].
Tuson was a surgeon, independent lecturer on anatomy and physiology, and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in London. Tuson made a name for himself with the publication of Myology in 1825. With bodies not easy to legally come by, anatomical flap books like Tuson’s were ingenious methods of introducing students to three-dimensional depictions of anatomy. This book is a teaching tool that depicts the various systems of musculature and viscera in colored lithographs printed on flaps and mounted in layers.
De vrouw: haar bouw en haar inwendige organen (The Woman: Her Build and Internal Organs), by Aletta Jacobs. Deventer: Æ.E. Kluwer, 1900. John Martin Rare Book Room [RG121 .J3 1900].
Jacobs was a pioneering 19th-century Dutch physician and social activist. From a young age, she was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor like her father. She was the first woman to enroll at the University of Groningen and graduated in 1879, earning her medical degree.
Throughout her career, Jacobs was an unyielding advocate for the health of women and children. She was interested in making medical information easily accessible to lay people, especially for women wanting to know more about their own anatomy. The flaps included in De Vrouw are very straightforward to use and are dense with information.
Das Sprechende Bilderbuch, mit naturgetreuen Menschenund Tierstimmen: Eine Unterhaltung für die kleine Welt in Bild, Vers und Laut (The Speaking Picture Book: An Entertainment for the Little World in Pictures, Verse, and Sound). Theodor Brand, 1878. x-Collection [FOLIO PZ5 .S76 1800], Special Collections and Archives.
Das Sprechende Bilderbuch, or The Speaking Picturebook, reproduced simple sounds via paper mechanisms. Theodor Brand, who invented the speaking picture book (patented in Germany 1878), adapted the sound mechanisms from speaking dolls produced in factories in Sonneberg, Germany. With its cheery farm animal sounds and bright, chromolithographed pictures, it became an international phenomenon. Editions were published for children in France, England, the Netherlands, and the United States. Movable books marketed to children in the late 19th century illustrate the interplay between technological development in printing and paper engineering, expanding youth readership and rising educational standards, and the cultures of play, spectacle, and domesticity at the time.
Fragmentos de Lluvia: A Graphic Score (Fragments of Rain), by María Carolina Ceballos. Canto Press, 2021. x-Collection Oblong [FOLIO N7433.4.C3966 F73x 2021], Special Collections and Archives.
Artists capitalize on the material characteristics of paper, including its strength, flexibility, and inherent thinness. This artist book includes a musical score with structural paper elements, and musical instruments fashioned from Ceballos’ own handmade paper.
Hyakunin Isshu Karuta. Japan: publisher unidentified, early 20th century. x-Collection [PL728.5 .O43 1900], Special Collections and Archives.
This early 20th-century edition of a traditional Japanese card game features illustrations that have been woodblock printed and colored by hand. Players match excerpts of poems from Fujiwara no Teika's popular Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each) anthology with images of the famous poets who penned them.
library QUICK HITS
MAKE YOUR MARK CONTEST INSPIRES ART LIBRARIES ACROSS THE CONTINENT
Art Library Director Patricia Gimenez presented at the 2025 Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) conference. Gimenez's presentation—"Make Your Mark: A Student Art Contest and Outreach Program in One”—highlighted the bookmark design contest hosted by the Art Library every fall semester. It's an opportunity to get students thinking about the library and its resources while also showcasing their work and building their portfolios. Students submit creative designs based on prompts to consider what the Art Library means to them and how research impacts their art. Chosen by a jury of UI faculty and librarians, the first-place design is printed and distributed throughout campus. The top three winners receive art supplies from Blick. After the ARLIS/NA presentation, multiple librarians spoke to Gimenez about launching a similar project at their own institutions.
BUSINESS LIBRARY HOSTS IOWA INVENTION CONVENTION
On the day of Iowa Invention Convention in April 2025, the Business Library’s Quiet Zone was anything but quiet—it buzzed with energy as 29 young inventors from across Iowa gathered in the space to present inventive solutions to real world challenges. Organized by the University of Iowa Jacobsen Institute, the program engages students in problem solving through invention and entrepreneurship, sparking creativity and innovation among K–12 students. Business Library Director Kim Bloedel and Engineering Library Director Kari Kozak served as judges at the event. After a morning filled with imagination and ingenuity, the judges named Iowa’s Top Ten Inventions of 2025 and selected seven young inventors to advance to the Invention Convention Worldwide, a competition from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, that was held in June.
“JANE AND HER MUSIC” CELEBRATES AUSTEN’S 250TH BIRTHDAY
The Senate Chamber in the Old Capitol was filled with music and materials to recognize a milestone for beloved British author Jane Austen in February 2025.
“Jane and Her Music” brought campus and community members to recognize Austen’s 250th birthday and provide a unique window into her and the 18th century. The event, hosted by the University of Iowa School of Music, featured recitals, a gala, and speakers who delved into topics such as “Jane Austen’s Playlist.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to peruse Austen in the Stacks, a collection of rare books, music, and ephemera from the Arthur and Miriam Canter Rare Book Room at the Rita Benton Music Library as well as Special Collections and Archives. Katie Buehner, director of the Music Library, participated, and supporting the event is just one example of how the library’s staff collaborate with the School of Music and its events.
WRITING CAMP PROVIDES GUIDANCE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS
The Sciences Library and Lichtenberger Engineering Library partnered with the Hanson Center for Communication to host an eight-week program that provided structure, inspiration, and support to graduate students—helping them excel in their thesis and dissertation writing throughout the summer. The Engineering and Sciences Writing Camp had 71 registrants who benefited from dedicated writing time, provided meals, and workshops with topics ranging from building healthy writing habits to creating comprehensive literature reviews. Writing tutors and librarians were available each day to provide one-on-one assistance to graduate students as needed.
library QUICK HITS
HARDIN LIBRARY FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES EXPLORES THE HISTORY OF PHARMACOLOGY
Hardin Library’s exhibition explores the evolution of drugs and pharmacology in the West. Long known as Materia Medica, the practice of applying plants, animal products, food, oils, and inorganic substances evolved into the scientific study and application of medicine known as pharmacology. Physicians, apothecaries, and others compiled their observations and recorded oral traditions into a range of books, from herbals to formularies to pharmacopoeias to home remedy guides, examples of which can be seen in the Hardin Library exhibit
In tandem with this exhibit, the annual John Martin Rare Book Room (JMRBR) open house was hosted in April 2025 and invited the public and campus community to view historical examples of medicinal recipes, apothecaries, home remedies, poisons, and herbal medicine. These included John Gerard’s The herball and Brunschwig’s A most excellent and perfecte homish apothecarye.
IOWA WOMEN'S ARCHIVES (IWA) CELEBRATES MARCH MADNESS AND WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH WITH IOWA-MADE FILM
In partnership with FilmScene and the student organization Bijou Film Board, IWA hosted nearly 110 attendees from across campus and the community to screen clips from the 1979 film Dribble. It’s a women’s basketball comedy filmed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and featuring the Iowa Cornets, who played in the professional Women’s Basketball League from 1978–80. A panel discussion followed the screening, featuring Lark Birdsong, the first women’s basketball coach at Iowa; Shelley Lucas, a sports historian who has written about the Cornets; and Kären Mason, IWA’s first curator, whose work collecting its women’s basketball materials laid crucial groundwork for these stories to be told. They discussed the unique history of women’s basketball in Iowa and the people who championed women’s athletics then and now.
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES HOSTS IOWA BIBLIOPHILES SPRING MEETUP
Welcoming the campus community and fellow book enthusiasts, Special Collections and Archives showcased its new acquisitions from the last year at the Iowa Bibliophiles Spring Meetup. From unique artists’ books to medieval manuscripts and from comics to Arnold Pyle's sketchbooks, the public got a close-up look at rare materials, talked to curators, and discovered inspiration.
DAVIS RECEIVES BOOK HONOR FROM RHETORIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA
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.”
Christie Krugler reflects on role as chair of the LIBRARIES ADVANCEMENT
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.
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.
“My involvement with the LAC has provided valuable insight into the Libraries’ important role in fostering student success and community engagement,” says Krugler. “The
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
My involvement with the LAC has provided valuable insight into the Libraries’ important role in fostering student success and community engagement.
to credible resources, study spaces, and expert assistance, the Libraries is crucial for developing research skills necessary for any career. Krugler and her 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.”
husband, Bill, also believe in the power of stories, especially those that emerge from archives and collections. They graciously provided the seed money for
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.
COUNCIL
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 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.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT THE LIBRARIES
This fall, I wanted to highlight a few of the University Libraries’ newest funds, which were established thanks to the generosity of some of our most loyal supporters. These funds support areas and initiatives that are vital to the dayto-day operations of the Libraries and offer new fundraising opportunities during the final two years of the Together Hawkeyes Campaign:
University Librarian’s Student Employment Fund supports student employment initiatives in the Libraries, particularly for special projects that require advanced skills
Conservation and Collections Care Fund supports conservation and preservation work, including internships and practicums
University Libraries Galleries and Exhibits Fund supports gallery spaces across all seven Libraries, including both the physical spaces and the exhibits
We have made amazing progress towards our campaign goal, but the next couple of years will be critical. Thanks to our supporters, we are well equipped now for future success!
If you’d like to know more about how you can support the Libraries, please feel free to reach out to me at paula.wiley@foriowa.org
University Libraries Excellence Fund REPLACES FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARIES
To better reflect how gifts are used in support of our work, the former “Friends of the Libraries Fund” is now the University Libraries Excellence Fund . Gifts to the University Libraries Excellence Fund provide the university librarian maximum flexibility to support the organization’s immediate and constantly changing needs of students, faculty, and community.
The fund is now more accurately aligned with the broad goals of the university’s strategic plan:
• Enhancing academic excellence
• Fostering innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Meeting student demand
Uses for University Libraries Excellence Fund include:
• Providing start-up support for innovative service models or programs in line with the Libraries’ Strategic Plan.
• Improving library spaces or furniture for students or library workers.
• Supporting Libraries’ programming that further enhances student success and outreach and engagement (e.g., supporting travel or honorariums for event speakers, pop-exhibits highlighting research collections, etc.).
• Enhancing student employment opportunities.
• Sustaining Open Educational Resources (OER) and other initiatives advancing student success.
• Investing in research collections.
• Contributing to events or activities to celebrate or honor outstanding Libraries staff.
• Investing in Libraries staff through professional development opportunities.
• Increasing employee wellness activities.
Learn how you can you give.
STUDENT EMPLOYEE GRADUATESCongratulations
Congratulations to the 44 student employees who graduated in May 2025.
We are proud of their contributions to the Libraries during their time working here. As they graduated, their Hawkeye gold honor cords set them apart for their service to the Libraries. Pictured are a few of the graduates from across the Libraries.
[1] Art Library [2] Conservation and Collections Care [3] Main Library [4] Lichtenberger Engineering Library [5] Marvin A. Pomerantz Business Library [6] Sciences Library [7] Special Collections and Archives, Iowa Women's Archives [8] Hardin Library for the Health Sciences [9] Rita Benton Music Library
[1]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[2]
Bindings has been the official magazine of the University of Iowa Libraries since its first issue in fall 1997.
ADMINISTRATION
John Culshaw
Jack B. King University Librarian john-culshaw@uiowa.edu
Jade E. Davis
Associate University Librarian jade-davis@uiowa.edu
Tracy Grimm
Associate University Librarian tracy-grimm@uiowa.edu
Paul Soderdahl
Associate University Librarian paul-soderdahl@uiowa.edu
Anne Bassett
Senior Director of Strategic Communications and External Relations anne-bassett@uiowa.edu
ART DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER
Lauren Coghlan
Creative Coordinator
CONTRIBUTORS
Anne Bassett
Krista Hershberger
Sara Pinkham
ADVANCEMENT
Paula Wiley
Associate Director of Development, Libraries paula.wiley@foriowa.org
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Senior Director, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705, ui-ocrc@uiowa.edu.
ON THE cover
A gold medallion with the University of Iowa seal is pictured in front of the Old Capitol, commemorating the investiture of Kate Orazem as the Jean Lloyd-Jones and Michal Eynon-Lynch Iowa Women’s Archives Women in Politics Archivist. Learn more about endowed positions at the Libraries on page 18.
[Photo by Krista Hershberger]
University of Iowa Main Library
125 W. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52242
EXPLORE OUR GALLERY AND ARCHIVES
The Arthur and Miriam Canter Rare Book Room
Rita Benton Music Library
Voxman Music Building, first floor
The Iowa Women’s Archives
Main Library, third floor
The John Martin Rare Book Room
Hardin Library, fourth floor
The Main Library Gallery
Main Library, first floor
Special Collections and Archives
Main Library, third floor
Learn more and check hours at lib.uiowa.edu
Thank you for helping to boost our students’ success through the Libraries!
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