UNIVERSIT Y LIBR ARIES MAGA ZINE
BINDINGS FALL 2026
LOOKING BACK and LOOKING AHEAD Celebrating 75 years of the Main Library
CELEBRATING AND REFLECTING The University of Iowa Libraries has a proud history of serving our campus and community, and this year we are recognizing the Main Library’s 75th anniversary. It’s a time to reflect on how the academic hub of campus has evolved from 1951 to today while also looking ahead to other important milestones in the Libraries’ history (page 12). We are also celebrating another major milestone in the Together Hawkeyes Campaign. The Libraries has exceeded its $70 million goal more than a year ahead of schedule and is still making progress. In addition, we had another successful One Day for Iowa, the university’s 24-hour day of giving (page 16). My sincere thanks to our past, present, and future supporters. Your generosity strengthens the Libraries and expands what is possible for the people we serve. Reflecting on our progress also means honoring the students and staff whose work makes it possible. In this issue of Bindings, you can learn about our most recent student employee scholarship and award recipients (pages 4 and 6) and meet three staff members recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Libraries (page 7). You can also take a fascinating look into the life of one of Iowa’s most influential conductors, James Dixon, who was highlighted in the Main Library Gallery’s spring 2026 exhibition (page 10). In addition, Libraries Advancement Council member Lin Phillips reflects on her time serving as the group’s chair (page 14) and we go Inside the Libraries with Patricia Gimenez, director of the Art Library (page 17). As we celebrate where we have been, we remain focused on where we are going to ensure the Libraries continues to support student success, research, and discovery for years to come. John Culshaw Jack B. King University Librarian
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IN THIS ISSUE 4. 15 undergraduate student employees earn scholarships for 2025–26 6. Four graduate student employees receive academic enrichment awards 7. Staff celebrated for outstanding service 8. Our Libraries, by the numbers 10. Celebrating Iowa conductor James Dixon in the Main Library Gallery 12. The Main Library Celebrates 75 Years
A look at the academic hub of campus though the years
14. Lin Phillips reflects on serving as chair of the Libraries Advancement Council 16. Thank you for continuing to make a difference through your support Inside the Libraries
17. Behind the scenes with Patricia Gimenez, director of the Art Library
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University of Iowa Libraries
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15
student library workers receive SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2025–26
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 future generations. Student employees complete a wide variety of tasks, including directing users to needed resources, caring for collections, and processing materials. For the 2025–26 academic year, 15 undergraduate student employees were awarded scholarships in recognition of their work. You can learn more about the student scholarships on the Libraries website.
JUDY AND MIKE GREER SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF MARY E. GREER Samantha Burds
Kaleb Schlatter Hometown: Runnells, Iowa
Hometown: Epworth, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts in history
Major: Bachelor of Arts in
with minors in Arabic studies and
English
cinematic arts and a Certificate in Jewish studies
BENTON FAMILY MUSIC LIBRARY STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP Lydia Maier Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Major: Bachelor of Music in organ performance
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Brett Tomkins Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts in music education and Bachelor of Music in composition studies
DALE M. AND MARY GAIL BENTZ LIBRARIES STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP Sadie Crandall
Brylee Hoeg
Hometown: Marion, Iowa
Hometown: Grundy Center, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double
triple major in anthropology,
major in history and ancient civilizations
classics, and religious studies with
and a minor in anthropology and a
a Museum Studies Certificate
Museum Studies Certificate
Ava Stork
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts in
Tatiana Thomas
Hometown: LaGrange, Illinois
environmental policy and planning
Major: Bachelor of Arts in English and
with a minor in urban studies and
creative writing
a Certificate in Sustainability
UI LIBRARIES STUDENT EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP Brianna Bowers
Abigail Kunzman
Hometown: Cypress, Texas
Hometown: Hartley, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Arts with a
Major: Bachelor of Science
double major in computer science
with a double major in health
and English and creative writing
and human physiology
Kethia Mulonda
Sumeyo Noor
Major: Bachelor of Science in
Major: Bachelor of Science
Engineering in civil engineering
in neuroscience
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Kaylee Olson
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts with a
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Steven Siegel
Hometown: Van Meter, Iowa
double major in psychology and
Major: Bachelor of Science
criminology, law, and justice
in biology
Jillian Witt Hometown: Queens, New York Major: Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing LIB.UIOWA.EDU
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FOUR GRADUATE STUDENT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AWARDS FROM THE LIBRARIES
Johnson, from Badger, Iowa, worked in the Sciences Library. He is currently a student in the Master of Clinical Anatomy program.
Each year, the University of Iowa Libraries recognizes 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) are selected by a committee based on their application essays and the feedback of their supervisors, and winners receive an award of $2,500. The winners for 2025–26 were Gage Johnson, Obatola Layiwola, Hailee McCormick, and Catie Reynolds.
Layiwola is pursuing an MFA in graphic design with a secondary emphasis in 3D design. He is from Madison, South Dakota, and worked at the Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio.
McCormick from Pleasantville, Iowa, worked in Special Collections and Archives. She earned a Master of Arts in library and information science with a Certificate in Special Collections and Archives in May 2026.
Reynolds worked with the Humanities and Social Sciences team in the Main Library. She earned a Master of Arts in library and information science with a Certificate in Special Collections and Archives in May 2026 and considers Rockford, Illinois, her hometown.
FYI important professional skills in a Q&A on our website.
Our AEA recipients share more about how their work at the Libraries helped develop
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BINDINGS FALL 2026
STAFF CELEBRATED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Three University of Iowa Libraries staff members were recognized for their contributions to the organization during a spring 2026 awards reception. Honorees were chosen by a committee that reviewed nominations submitted by their colleagues.
Left to right: Miles Dietz-Castel, communication specialist at NNLM Region 6 and recipient of the 2025 Benton Award for Excellence; John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian; and Mary Margaret Thomas, clinical education librarian at Hardin Library and recipient of the 2025 Early Career Award, at the staff awards reception.
MILES DIETZ-CASTEL COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 6
Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence Dietz-Castel’s nominators highlighted his unwavering dedication, exceptional professionalism, and positive impact on the community served by the NNLM, which is the regional medical library for Region 6 located at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences.
AMY MCBETH LIBRARY ASSISTANT IV
Rita Benton Music Library
Distinguished Service Award McBeth’s dedication to the 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.
MARY MARGARET THOMAS CLINICAL EDUCATION LIBRARIAN
Hardin Library for the Health Sciences
Early Career Award Thomas has quickly distinguished herself at the Hardin Library through adaptability, collaboration, and professional growth, according to her nominator. The review committee also noted Thomas’ evolution into a trusted colleague who delivers tailored instruction, co-teaches courses, and contributes to scholarship, making her an invaluable member of the team.
Learn more about why Dietz-Castel earned the award named for the late Dr. Arthur Benton, and why McBeth and Thomas earned their Distinguished Service and Early Career Awards on our website. LIB.UIOWA.EDU
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OUR LIBRARIES
by the numbers 1.6M ENTRIES
into the seven libraries across campus
695,250 RESEARCH GUIDE DOWNLOADS
by users, representing an increase of 22% The Evaluating Online Information research guide was once again the most frequently accessed published guide. 8
BINDINGS FALL 2026
23,541 PARTICIPANTS
were impacted through 984 instructional sessions, increasing librarian presence in the classroom by 17%
TOP GUIDES DOWNLOADED 1: Evaluating Online Information 2: Manga for Japanese Language Learners 3: Citation Help
90
TOP 5 COUNTIES:
Loaned items to other libraries in
County Polk
iowa
of Iowa’s 99 counties
Requests Filled 412
Story
191
Black Hawk
130
Linn
130
Johnson
127
10,519 books
$70M
BOOKINGS
GOAL
throughout the seven group study rooms at the Marvin A. Pomerantz Business Library
for the Together Hawkeyes comprehensive campaign surpassed one year early and still going!
This represents data from July 2025 through June 2026 LIB.UIOWA.EDU
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CELEBRATING IOWA CONDUCTOR JAMES DIXON When the University of Iowa Libraries first
“I think listening to the stories from people who
received James Dixon’s papers in 2021, Katie
played under Dixon’s baton really drew me
Buehner knew there was a story waiting to
into wanting to know more about him and his
be told about his adventurous international
philosophy of music-making,” says Buehner.
conducting career and lasting impact on orchestras and musicians at home in Iowa. As director of the Rita Benton Music Library, Buehner worked with Carey Bostian and Miera
There’s great admiration for him as a skilled conductor and musician, even if he could be gruff and demanding.
Kim, close friends of Dixon who generously donated more than 1,200 music scores along
The collection inspired Buehner to propose an
with photographs, correspondence, newspaper
exhibition honoring Dixon’s distinguished career,
clippings, and other materials. They offered a
with a focus on his efforts to build community
fascinating look into the life of one of Iowa’s most
around music. She sought the perspective of
influential conductors, who served as longtime
music history scholar Sarah Suhadolnik, an
director of both the UI Symphony Orchestra and
assistant professor of instruction in the UI School
the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
of Music, to round out the exhibit’s storytelling and contextualize Dixon’s efforts in the greater culture of 20th-century American orchestras and society. Together, they curated the Main Library Gallery’s spring 2026 exhibition, Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon. “Sarah created the community frame for the narrative,” Buehner says, “and it beautifully anchors Dixon’s story and the story of his many orchestras.” Suhadolnik and Buehner took care to provide a
Co-curators Sarah Suhadolnik (left) and Katie Buehner (right) in the Main Library Gallery. Photo: Krista Hershberger
“behind the podium” look at how orchestras of all
FYI own lens on our website. If you missed it during the spring 2026 semester, view the Read more about what the exhibit means to Buehner and Suhadolnik through their Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon exhibit guide, curator highlights, and more on the Main Library Gallery website on the past gallery exhibits page at lib.uiowa.edu/gallery. 10
BINDINGS FALL 2026
ARTIST AND CONSERVATIONIST JAY N. “DING” DARLING CELEBRATED IN NEW MAIN LIBRARY GALLERY EXHIBITION The fall 2026 Main Library Gallery exhibition highlights the rich legacy of an Iowa-born wildlife conservationist and popular political cartoonist. It’s Been Wonderful Knowing You: Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy Through the Dixon conducting a rehearsal of the Seventh Army Symphony in Berchtesgaden, Germany, October 1953. James Dixon Papers [UA10028], University Archives.
Lens of Jay N. “Ding” Darling is now open through Dec. 18, 2026. Curated by Sackner Archive Project Archivist
sizes connect with their communities
Collin Vandewalle and Lead Public Services
and become crucial to sustaining them.
Librarian Lindsay Moen, both from Special
“While many of the characters in the
commemorates the 150th anniversary of Darling’s
exhibit travel a great deal to other locations, their roots stay firmly in this community. This is also a story about music and how it brings people together,” says Buehner.
This is a story about Iowa and Iowans.
Collections and Archives, the exhibition birth. Darling, who grew up in Sioux City and lived in Des Moines for several decades, was one of the nation’s most influential figures in the American conservation movement. The Pulitzer Prizewinning political cartoonist for The Des Moines Register used his national renown and platform to spread the word about conservation to newspaper readers all over the country.
“Dixon operated at all times with a tangible vision of what his ensembles contributed to their respective communities,” says Suhadolnik. “I hope visitors left the exhibit with a better appreciation for the arts of all sorts as fundamentally collaborative
The exhibition primarily highlights materials from the Jay N. “Ding” Darling Papers in Special Collections and Archives, including original duck stamps, cartoons, watercolors, first-edition books, and more. It also features a selection of items from partner institutions across the state.
undertakings.”
FYI the Lens of Jay N. “Ding” Darling is free and open to all. Learn more about the
It’s Been Wonderful Knowing You: Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy Through exhibit and upcoming events at lib.uiowa.edu/gallery. LIB.UIOWA.EDU
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years The Main Library celebrated a major milestone in March: 75 years of serving students, faculty, staff, and the community. The building centralized collections once scattered across campus and was originally three stories and 300,000 square feet. The Main Library expanded to five stories and 468,000 square feet by 1972. Nearly 1.6 million people visited our seven campus libraries last year, reflecting the Libraries’ continued role as a vital academic and community space. Let’s take a look at 1951 to today!
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BINDINGS FALL 2026
Our librarians always have been, and always will be, here to help.
In 202ry7will
ra the Art Lib 0 years 9 te ra b cele
Student Support In 2028
the Music
Library will turn 8 0
The original Main Library lobby looked out to the current North Library Plaza and Becker Communication Studies Building.
y b b o L th r o N l a in ig r O Today’s primary lobby faces Madison Street.
Current East Lobby
In 2030will
ries the Libra its 175th celebrate ry anniversa
The University of Iowa Libraries has a proud history of serving our campus and community, and the coming years offer exciting opportunities to honor that legacy.
FYI University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections and Archives, which is located on the Photos from the 1950s are from the Frederick W. Kent Collection of Photographs in third floor of the Main Library. LIB.UIOWA.EDU
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Lin Phillips reflects on role as chair of the
LIBRARIES ADVANCEMENT Years before becoming a member of the University of Iowa Libraries Advancement Council (LAC), Linda “Lin” Bousfield was a student employee in what was then the Periodicals Department. The opportunity made an indelible impact on her life and career. “Were it not for that job, I could not have afforded a college education,” she says. “It was during my three years at the Main Library that I also learned what a critical role the Libraries play in preserving and disseminating our collective thoughts, ideas, knowledge, and history. It is the gateway for student inquiry and the spark for researchers leading to the inspirations of the future.” After sharing her story, John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian, invited Phillips and her husband, Skip, to return for a tour and update on the Libraries’ evolution since her student days 50 years ago.
The renewed connection eventually led to involvement with the LAC, and when Culshaw
“Needless to say, I was impressed,” says the
invited Phillips to serve she says, “it just seemed
Norwalk, Iowa, resident.
like the right thing to do.”
It was during my three years at the Main Library
Phillips recently completed
that I also learned what a critical role the UI
and has been a member of
Libraries play in preserving and disseminating our collective thoughts, ideas, knowledge, and history.
a one-year term as chair the group since 2023. The LAC actively champions the Libraries and provides
Amy Sullivan from Denver, Colorado, is now serving as chair and Virginia Eichacker from Las Vegas, Nevada, is serving as vice chair. The LAC’s next meeting is scheduled for October 2026.
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BINDINGS FALL 2026
COUNCIL guidance and feedback to assist the UI Center for Advancement’s (UICA) effort to increase support through fundraising, advocacy, and engagement. Now, perhaps her most meaningful advocacy comes through the new endowed Bousfield Family Libraries Student Employee Scholarship. Starting in fall 2026, it will be awarded annually
In Phillips’ honor, the Libraries added
to a deserving student employed in the Main
a cookbook to the Szathmary Culinary
Library, with a preference for those enrolled in
Cookbook Collection and a book artists’
the UI College of Education.
compass to the Map Collection in Special Collections and Archives.
“In a sense it is a small repayment for a huge debt of gratitude,” Phillips says.
The 1882 edition of Swedish-American Book of Cookery and Advisor for Swedish Servants
Supporting the Libraries also means helping ensure that the opportunities I received as a student remain
in America is printed in both Swedish and English. “This gift has very special meaning to me as it honors my Swedish heritage and my enjoyment of baking cookies, pies, and fruited breads, and sharing them with
available to the next generation.
friends,” says Phillips.
More than anything, Phillips says her
Finding My Way by Carole Kundstadt is
experience on the LAC has strengthened her
one-of-a-kind, setting a world map from
connection to the Libraries, and she’s honored
1875 in a small compact mirror, anchored
to give back to the place that has meant so
by sewn threads and crystals. “This was a
much to her.
particularly poignant gift as my professional role was one of career counselor to adults
“Serving as a member and as chair of the LAC
who were trying to find their way,” she adds.
has been a privilege and an honor,” says Phillips. “I am grateful to the Libraries and the university
These special items were purchased in honor
for this opportunity.”
of Phillips’ service with support from the University Libraries Excellence Fund.
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BLACK AND GOLD DINNER
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
HEALTH SCIENCES DEAN’S PANEL
We are so excited the Libraries exceeded our $70 million goal for the Together Hawkeyes Campaign! The campaign ends at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2027, so we have more than a
THE LIBRARIES ADVANCEMENT COUNCIL
year to build on this momentum and continue to help the university reach its overall campaign goal of $3 billion. The Libraries also had a very successful One Day for Iowa this year. During the annual giving day,
The LAC enjoyed another busy and productive time during its semiannual visit to campus in May 2026, filled with meaningful discussions and unique experiences.
we highlighted the Student Success Fund, which helps the Libraries power student study spaces, expand access to learning resources, and connect students with the services
Members attended the biennial Black and Gold Society Dinner, which celebrates the Libraries and recognizes its generous supporters. Kristy Nabhan-Warren, UI associate vice president for research, professor and V.O. and Elizabeth Kahl Figge Chair in Catholic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies, served as the featured speaker. The group visited the Press Box on the 12th floor of Stead Family Children’s Hospital where they had the rare opportunity to hear from all of the university’s health sciences deans during a panel discussion. (Seated left to right: Denise Jamieson, Vice President for Medical Affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine; Jill Kolesar, Dean, Professor, and the Jean M. Schmidt Chair, College of Pharmacy; Edith Parker, Dean, College of Public Health and Professor of Community and Behavioral Health; Clark Stanford, Dean, College of Dentistry; and Julie Zerwic, Kelting Dean, College of Nursing) Left to right: Amy Sullivan, vice chair; Paula Wiley, associate director of development, Libraries; LeAnn Lemberger; Linda “Lin” Phillips, chair; Ann Miller; Aaron Schaefer; Sharon Tinker; John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian.
and expertise they need to succeed. Thank you to everyone who made a gift and helped spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues. We are also incredibly grateful to the anonymous donor who matched gifts dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. Because of your generosity, we secured the full match, raising more than $30,000 for the Student Success Fund.
To learn more about supporting the Libraries, please contact Paula Wiley at paula.wiley@foriowa.org.
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BINDINGS FALL 2026
Patricia Gimenez inside the
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. As director of the Art Library, Patricia Gimenez shapes both its 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.
Q:
What led you to a career as a librarian? 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: Q:
What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers? 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.
When is your job most rewarding? 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.
FYI to discover resources, browse new acquisitions, or contact your librarian for support.
Get to know more about Gimenez in an expanded Q&A. Visit the Art Library’s website
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Congratulations
STUDENT EMPLOYEE GRADUATES Winter 2025 [2]
Spring 2026
[1] Lichtenberger Engineering Library [2] Main Library (Circulation and User Services) [3] Special Collections and Archives [4-5] Marvin A. Pomerantz Business Library [6] Lichtenberger Engineering Library [7] Special Collections and Archives [8] Sciences Library [9] Hardin Library for the Health Sciences [10] Art Library [11] Special Collections and Archives 18
BINDINGS FALL 2026
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
ON THE cover
Tracy Grimm Associate University Librarian tracy-grimm@uiowa.edu Katie Buehner Interim Associate University Librarian katie-buehner@uiowa.edu Anne Bassett Senior Director of Strategic Communications and External Relations anne-bassett@uiowa.edu ART DIRECTION Lauren Coghlan DESIGN Lauren Coghlan Kaleb Turnbough CONTRIBUTORS Anne Bassett Krista Hershberger Sara Pinkham Brook Wilder ADVANCEMENT Paula Wiley Associate Director of Development, Libraries paula.wiley@foriowa.org Emily Stiers Advancement Program Coordinator emily.stiers@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.
The original entrance of the Main Library in the 1950s and today. It’s still being used by hundreds of students each day as they enter from what is now North Library Plaza. Photo from the Frederick W. Kent Collection in University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
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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
Thank you for helping to boost our students’ success through the Libraries!
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
GIVE TO THE LIBRARIES givetoiowa.org/libraries