University Libraries

Meet Jared Bock: recipient of a Dale M. and Mary Gail Bentz Libraries Student Employee Scholarship

“I chose Iowa because it is the perfect distance from home, has a beautiful campus, and offers a diverse array of programs and people.
Working at the library has helped me foster interpersonal skills with coworkers and the general public. I get to interact with a wide variety of people on a daily basis and learn how to converse with people from all walks of life. This is a valuable skill that can be carried into any workplace, regardless of where I end up.

I had no idea what it takes to keep the libraries on campus up and running. The Business Library has two full-time librarians, and two other full-time employees with a long list of tasks. I have personally seen my supervisor Todd attend to several responsibilities at a time and still manage to help me or other student assistants when we need it.

Scholarships like these help to make education possible for a lot of people, and this award will undoubtedly assist me in funding my schooling.”

Meet Natalie Boucher: recipient of a UI Libraries Student Employee Scholarship 

“The University of Iowa has a great English program.
Ultimately, though, I felt a deep sense of authenticity at the University of Iowa and knew this was the place for me. The beautiful campus, woven into the city, also helped sway me.
Working for the Business Library has helped lay the foundation I need to communicate professionally. I am seeking a future career in government or teaching at a community college, both of which require communicating at many different levels (e.g., boss, co-worker, student).

People ask many questions and request a vast amount of materials, which was quite surprising. Some people, including myself before I started working at the library, just think we check out books, which we do, but that is only one part of a unique job.

On top of being a full-time student, I also work fulltime hours between two jobs to cover college expenses.
Receiving this scholarship allows me to reduce my work hours and dedicate more time for studying.”

Meet Ryan Greenough: recipient of a UI Libraries Student Employee Scholarship. 

“I had an older brother who attended Tippie before I did, so I knew if I came to Iowa I would get a great education. I also loved the campus and atmosphere of the business building when I took a visit. Working at the library has really helped me develop my social skills in uncomfortable situations. Being able to manage situations with frustrated students and faculty has given me confidence in job interviews and professional settings. I expect to continue to use these skills in a variety of different situations as I move up in my career.I did not realize how much it would help me network and connect with other students. Being in the business building every day has allowed me to meet many different people as they approach the service desk for help.I am paying for my own education, so it has been a goal of mine to graduate from college without student loan debt. This award plays a huge part in helping me accomplish my goals.”

Meet Louis Barker Recipient of a Dale M. and Mary Gail Bentz Libraries Student Employee Scholarship 

“At Iowa, I have a fantastic violin teacher who I knew would be dedicated to helping me develop both personal and professional skills, and the chamber music residency program here is phenomenal. My job at the UI Libraries has helped me to be patient and organized. Sometimes a patron comes with an issue, and I have to figure out how to help them in a genuine and polite way. This helps me in my future as a chamber musician, as I will be working with people and need to learn how to be patient and understanding with others. It surprised me how much of the job is talking to people, as opposed to just organizing books. I help people find things, problem solve, and try to be as helpful as I can in areas outside my expertise. This scholarship will make it easier for me to start planning my life outside the university.”

Four Business Library Student Employees have been awarded scholarships from the UI Libraries. Congratulations to the winners: Louis Barker, Ryan Greenough, Natalie Boucher, and Jared Bock.