Now, if you only knew where to start. How about with your librarian? Every student at the University of Iowa has a Subject Specialist Librarian.

Always in the know with the most current information, librarians at the University of Iowa can help you find the latest research in your field, help you evaluate information resources you find on the web and help you locate the best answers to your questions.

With graduate degrees in library and information studies, librarians are highly qualified information specialists, using technology, such as databases and the Internet, as just some of the tools of their trade.

With five million volumes, the University of Iowa Libraries may be the largest library you’ve ever used. And it is easy to be unsure of where to start, librarians help you find it. Our librarians help to ensure all people have access to information and the skills to effectively access, use and evaluate information in all formats.

If you are overwhelmed by the avalanche of information, your librarian can help you find it. Your search is easy. You’ll find their unparalleled expertise @ your library.

• Group Study spaces have been added to the Second Floor of the Main Library. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• We’ve replaced the badly worn chairs in the Graduate Student Carrels and the Faculty Studies in the Main Library with more comfortable seating.
• Laptop-checkout has moved to the first floor Information/Reference desk.
• Media Services has merged with Main Library Circulation Desk to provide a single location to place course reserves (books and media), to check out materials (books and media).
• The Art Library moved into the Main Library (2nd floor west) from Art Building West, which is still closed due to last summer’s flooding. Now students and faculty have direct access to the collection. Art library staff has offices on the 2nd floor adjacent to the collection.
• The Information Arcade is transitioning to a center for digital research and scholarship. Managed by Digital Library Services, the Arcade will be home to: digital library initiatives, faculty/librarian partnerships in e-research, Iowa Digital Library and Iowa Research Online.

These transitions are some of our efforts to maintain the high level of service and academic support that students and faculty need.

For information about these changes and news of library happenings, check the Libraries’ website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or the subject specialist librarian in your field.

Nancy L. Baker, University Librarian

• Flexible Schedules. You can work 7 to 20 hours a week from early morning shifts to late night.
• Multiple Locations. The UI Libraries has 9 convenient locations across campus, both the east side and west side of the river.
• Variety of Jobs. There are all kinds of things to do to keep the library running: customer service, clerical, re-shelving or security.
• Pay. We offer a competitive $7.25/hour wage.
• Learn about Library Resources. You’ll become familiar with the information resources the library offers students, which can give you an advantage when it comes time for your next paper.

Come check out all the student job opportunities at the UI Libraries during the Job Fair on Thursday, August 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the IMU.

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, (319) 335-0705 (voice) and (319) 335-0697 (text), 202 Jessup Hall, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316.

Media materials (videos) placed on course reserve will now be available at the South Circulation Desk with other course reserves.

Videos placed on hold are available for pick-up at the North Circulation Desk with the other library materials placed on hold, which is available all hours that the Main Library is open.

Staff at the South Circulation Desk can retrieve materials and assist you with any questions about the media collection. Contact them directly at lib-media-services@uiowa.edu or 319-335-5912.

Each of these cases was moved into the corridor or the Government Documents Reading Room on the third floor. Then after all of the work was completed in the department, the cases were returned to their original home.

Today, the Maps collection staff is back to business as usual – in a clean, updated department.

If you have questions, please contact the Work Control Center at 335-5071.

The decennial census has been called the statistical national family portrait that is taken every ten years.  The next snapshot is scheduled for April 1, 2010 and there will be big changes in the process. The constitutionally mandated census counts heads, families, housing facts, and social, demographic and economic characteristics.  The results may alter the boundaries of legislative districts, the apportionment of legislators within a district and allocated government funding.

On August 21, 2009, The University of Iowa Libraries’ will sponsor a workshop covering the important changes that researchers and information providers must know about the 2010 census.  Participants will go on virtual tours of resources and have hands-on practice with web-based information sources. 

Two speakers will present different perspectives on the upcoming 2010 census: Matthew Milbrodt, Information Services Specialist, Bureau of Census, Kansas City Regional Office, and Beth Henning, Coordinator, State Data Center Program, State Library of Iowa.

When:  Friday, August 21, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where:  Information Arcade, Classroom 1, Main Library, University of Iowa Libraries’
map of campus and parking options (note: the closest parking ramp is at the University Capitol Centre)

Cost:  No-Fee, but registration is required to accommodate space planning.

The number of workstations is limited so, please submit your registration by August 17th to reserve your place.  Questions?  Contact Marianne Mason by e-mail or by phone (319) 335-5538.

Art Library and Music Library staff have co-located in room 2006, which is adjacent to the both collections. Library users will also find current journal issues, media and course reserves in Art and Music here.

To reach a member of the Art Library staff, please email (lib-art@uiowa.edu) or call 319-335-3086. To reach a member of the Music Library staff, please email (lib-music@uiowa.edu) or call 319- 335-3086.

In the Main Library, printing problems (paper, toner, jams) will be handled by staff at the Information/Reference desk. Technical support will be handled by ITS Help Desk via phone, email, live chat or in person on the second floor of University Capitol Centre, one block away.

The Iowa City Book Festival is a day-long celebration of books, reading and writing. We envision it as an event that could become an annual tradition in our city. This first year will commemorate of the acquisition of the University of Iowa Libraries’ 5 millionth volume and the 40th anniversary of the University of Iowa Press.

Please spend the day visiting the local and regional booksellers, who have set up shop in Gibson Square Park. You may want to sit in the shade and peruse your purchases and enjoy some live music. We also have a full schedule of readings, discussions and workshops that I’m sure you’ll find informative and entertaining.

Before you leave, please tell us what you think. You can find surveys in all of the sessions, at the Information Booth in Gibson Square and on the Festival website (www.iowacitybookfestival.org).