We’ve been feeling inspired by the new images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope so we’ve put together a list of books about exploring outer space that are available for check out here at the Engineering Library.
SEE WHO IS BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ENGINEERING LIBRARY!!
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library staff is here to help you find what you need to be successful in your college career! But, who are we? And how did we end up here in the engineering library?
Kari Kozak is the Head of the Lichtenberger Engineering Library. She manages the space, collection, and staff. She loves hearing about all the different projects that are being worked on within the College of Engineering and how she can help. She is a great resource for helping you find the resources you need to get your project done! She has her undergraduate in meteorology, and when she was a senior in college she heard about the need for librarians with science and technology degrees. She applied to both meteorology and library school programs before ultimately deciding on a degree in library science. She was a weather chaser in college and says if she weren’t a librarian she would probably be researching severe weather and climatology. Or, she’d find a way to get paid to travel! Traveling the world is one of her passions. She is also an avid curler – organizing, playing, watching – and traveling with her curling friends! She is also very crafty – loves to crochet and work on a multitude of craft projects. She loves the eclectic nature of Iowa City – especially all the summer activities.
Qianjin (Marina) Zhang is our Engineering and Informatics Librarian. She works with faculty, staff and researchers and supports comprehensive literature reviews, citation management and research data management. She decided to go to library school because they had a bioinformatics track which caught her interest. She is a great resource for any of your data questions! If she wasn’t a librarian she would probably be a technician in a biomedical lab and doing experiments. She enjoys reading mysteries and prefers the physical book. One of the things she likes best about Iowa City is that it is a City of Literature! A fun fact is that she is learning to play basketball!
James M. Cox is our Library Assistant IV. He oversees all our student employees, takes care of course reserves and circulation. He is our go-to for course reserves (among many other things!). One of his favorite parts of the job is learning about what the student employees’ academic and career interests are. He started out studying aerospace engineering at Iowa State University before deciding that wasn’t the right path for him. He then studied history here at UI and realized that he could combine history and engineering while working as a librarian. If he wasn’t working in the library he’d probably be in the computer science field – he loves programming, working with data, and problem solving. He likes to read fantasy/alternative history and non-fiction history. Interestingly, he reads the non-fiction on a device, but prefers a physical book when reading non-fiction. He has several hobbies and interests. He’s a leader in DeMolay, a young men’s organization that focuses on leadership and character building; playing with Winston, his Chocolate Lab/Husky mix dog. Who “…loves playing fetch, tug-of-war until my arm falls off, and sniffing around on walks.” One thing he’d like people to know is that if you need help – ask. He rarely just says “no.” He likes working towards a solution on any library and academic questions. If someone wrote a book about him, the title might be, It Takes a Community: A Story of How Good Role Models Influence Life.
Carol Johnk (me!) is a Library Assistant III. I did not intend to work in the library world, even though I spent a great deal of time in libraries as a kid and toyed with the idea of becoming a children’s librarian. I sort of fell into working in the University of Iowa library system and now I have one of the best jobs in the world. I work with social media and promotion for the engineering library. I am lucky enough to write blogs and social media posts – I am discovering how fascinating engineering is (I’m definitely not cut out to be an engineer, however!). I have had a lot of jobs through the years, including being a reporter for the Rapid City (SD) Journal. If I weren’t working in the library I would love to be photo journalist. Or an author, or psychologist, or music therapist …or any number of things! I enjoy reading mysteries and biographies and do a lot of reading on my devices – easier to carry with me. But, there is something about holding an actual, physical book in my hands. Spare time is spent enjoying my dog, Ralphie, perfecting my photography skills, being in my back yard (reading or knitting – not actual yard work!)
We, here in the Engineering Library, are very happy to have the portrait of Frederic Goodson Higbee back home again! The portrait of Professor Higbee has spent the last 11 months at the Conservation Center in Chicago for extensive restoration.
Professor Higbee was inducted into the College of Engineering Alumni Awards Wall on June 7, 2008. His plaque display reads:
The fundamentals of engineering drawing are almost synonymous with Professor Higbee. Transcending three generations of graduates from The University of Iowa, he is renowned for contributing significantly to the philosophy and technique of teaching engineering students –using engineering drawing as a basis and medium for developing young minds. Consequently, he was the first to be honored with the Engineering Drawing Award from the American Society for Engineering Education. Admirably known on campus as one of President Walter A. Jessup’s “Four Horsemen,” Higbee’s critical advice and counsel helped The University of Iowa regain its position among Big Ten institutions earlier in the 20th Century.
Frederick Goodson Higbee was born in Fremont, Ohio, in 1880. He graduated from Kenyon Military Academy in 1898, and the Case School of Applied Science in 1903, with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In 1905 he became a professor and head of Engineering Drawing at the State University of Iowa. He was here until 1952. His work included power station construction, building construction, railroad construction, and municipal engineering.
The portrait hanging in our library was painted by Harold Brett, an American illustrator and painter known for his New England scenes and for his portraits. His illustrations have been featured in Harper’s Weekly, Collier’s Weekly, and the Saturday Evening Post. He painted Professor Higbee’s portrait in 1952.
Frederic Goodson Higbee. Photo from “The Transit,” vol. 11, article 11. Jan. 1, 1906, “Our New Professors.”
We missed you while you were gone – but we kept busy, too!
Shhh! We are in the process of updating our quiet study space on our lower level! New comfy chairs are here and soon there will be new study carrels! But, never fear, we still have gamer chairs and beanbags! It is the best place to study when you don’t want to be disturbed and need to concentrate.
We have added new tools to our Tool Library! We have added laptops, projectors, thermal imagining cameras and more! Now we have everything from 3D scanners, 360 Degree Cameras, Go Pro, computer mice, creative boxes to help you with programming & circuits, hammers, screwdrivers, phone & computer chargers, and SO much more! And, we add more tools all the time! We have over 170 tools available to help you be successful in your college career! Click on the Tool Library link and see everything we’ve got!
And, our tools go perfectly with our Creative Space! We have a virtual reality station, collaboration tables, modeling stations and a prototyping station – the perfect place to collaborate with team members on class projects! It is also the perfect place to tinker and be creative! As Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” So, stop in, be creative – who knows what you’ll invent!
If you want to work together as a team, but need a space that is a bit quieter – we’ve got 2 study pods! Pod 1 has a white board and Media:Scape! Media:Scape is designed for easy collaboration – up to 6 electronic devices can be connected to the large screen monitor! Pod 2 is smaller but has a large white board. Markers are available to check out in the Tool Library! The pods may be reserved – go to the Group Study Rooms webpage for instructions! We also have 27 ITC computers, 2 scanners, and 2 printers!
Did you know we have a youtube channel? We do! Subscribe to us – UIEngLib! We are adding more and more videos all the time – an overview of the library, instructional videos on resources such as Endnote Basic – AND we’ve added a Detective Jones series! Watch the short video which will pose a question at the end, choose the answer you believe is the best and it will take you to the next video! Stay tuned – there will more cases for you and Detective Jones to solve!
This is just a smattering of all the resources we have available! Have questions? We have live chat and texting, too! The number to text is 319.250.2176. Stop in and see us, too – we’re happy to answer your questions!
Explore our homepage – with inks to new books, resources, our blog, and how to get help. Then come explore the library! We are at 2001 Seamans Center – just off the Student Commons. Our hours are listed on our homepage – so stop in!
Head Librarian, Kari Kozak and Informatics Librarian, Qianijn (Marina) Zhang, are available for research consultations and all our staff are available to help you find the resources you need! We post information about resources, fun facts, and information about special events on Facbook and our Twitter feed! “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay current with all we have going on here!
Come see all we have to offer – we look forward to seeing you soon!
It’s hard to believe that the new semester is here already! Let us help you on your way to academic success!
New this fall: Live chat and text messaging!!
Not in the library, but have a question? We now have both Live Chat and text messaging available! Live chat is available from the Lichtenberger Engineering Library homepage. If no one is available to personally help you, we have a Knowledgebase which just might have the answer for you! The answer isn’t there? Never fear – you can still ask your question and someone will get back to you as soon as possible! There are several options available: email, submit a question online or text us! We now have a text number! Be sure to add 319-250-2176 to your contacts!
We have Study Spaces!
In the main entrance area we have 27 ITC computers – 2 with stand-up desks; 2 scanners – including one with a high-speed, face-up book capture system; and 2 black & white printers. We have 2 study pods, too. Pod 1 has MediaScape (connect up to 6 laptops!) and a white board; Pod 2 is equipped with a group work table and a white board. Check here for reservation instructions and reservation information.
New group study tables!
Also on the main entrance floor we have 4 study carrels – each with a light and power outlet. We have 6 club chairs and 4 group tables, which can be moved together for larger groups!
Bean Bags in the lower level for quiet study!
Prefer a quiet study space? We’ve got that covered, too! Our lower level is a dedicated quiet space. We have 34 study carrels (each with a light and power outlet), 4 wing-back chairs, 6 arm chairs, 4 comfy bean bags, and 4 gamer chairs! The 150,000+ books in our collection are also located on the lower level and cover subject matter from Aeronautics to Z-80 Programming!
We have a Creative Space!
Collaboration tables & 3D scanning station in the Creative Space!
It has a a 3D scanning station (other 3D scanners available to check out from the Tool Library!), 2 quad-screen collaboration tables (each has the ability to project 4 laptop screens to the monitor!), 4 modeling stations with engineering software, 5 white boards, 2 high-top tables with stools, and a VR work station – an Oculus Rift and hand controllers are available to check out (2-hour loan time) from the Tool Library!
We have e-Resources!
We have access to over 3,000 e-resources and online subject guides covering information for all the engineering majors. You can access IEEExplore, over 20,000 Standards, Patents, a citation guide, information on Engineering ethics, copyright and open access information. There is also a wide range of handbooks and digital publications, all available from our homepage.
Our journal subscriptions cover everything from Road & Travel, SWE, Make Magazine, to The Journal of Theoretical & Applied Mechanics.
There is also a wonderful collection of DVDs – we have Mythbusters, Junkyard Wars, How It’s Made,Extreme Engineering, and a host of other titles (150+) – all available by asking at the circulation desk.
Need a measuring tape? A hammer? How about a thermal imaging camera? A hot glue gun? Maybe a sports camcorder? We’ve got ’em! Or did you forget your laptop charger? Don’t worry we’ve got those, too! We have 172+ tools available to check out!
Check out the overview of the library video – and the one about surviving college! We also have tutorials to help you learn about our resources and how to navigate your way through them! You’ll want to subscribe to our channel – there will be lots more videos coming!
Explore our homepage – with links to new books, resources, our blog, and how to get help. You can search course reserves, databases and e-journals directly from our homepage, too. Then come explore the library! We are at 2001 Seamans Center – just off the Student Commons. Our hours are listed on our homepage – so stop in!
Head Librarian, Kari Kozak and Informatics Librarian, and Qianijn (Marina) Zhang, are both available for research consultations and all our staff are available to help you find the resources you need!
Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook follow us on Twitter and Pinterest
Come see all we have to offer – we look forward to seeing you soon!
In September 2016, the Lichtenberger Engineering Library in collaboration with the Engineering Technology Centers opened a maker/creative space for students. This space is for students to imagine, tinker, design, and create.
With this space, we have added 111 tools to the Tool Library over this past year. Some of the tools added include:
Virtual Reality Glasses
3D Scanners
Adapter, Cables and Chargers for computers and mobile devices
Arduino programming language and circuit building kits
The MIT Press eBooks library – a computing and engineering collection is now available through IEEE Xplore
With almost 600 titles going back as far as 1943!
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6) Subject Guides
Check out our subject guides – available for each discipline. The subject guides are being continually updated with new information and resources. You’ll find information on popular resources geared toward your discipline. The guides also include helpful information on patents, standards, creating citations, and engineering ethics among other things. Check our homepage (http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/) to discover it all!
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7) Classroom Assistance and Library Tours
Both Engineering Librarians are available for short- or class-length demonstrations on a wide variety of library resources.
Kari Kozak, Head of the Lichtenberger Engineering Library, is available to talk about resources and services to students, faculty, and/or staff. This could range from an overview of the library and services to in-depth researching strategies including evaluating information. Sessions can be to individuals, small groups, lab groups, or classes. Email Kari at kari-kozak@uiowa.edu for more information.
Qianjin (Marina) Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian, is available to talk about data management and citation management programs such as Endnote. Email Marina at qianjin-zhang@uiowa.edu for more information
Kari is also available to give tours of the library, including the Creative Space. Schedule a time to visit individually or as a class, to see first-hand all we have available.
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8) Course Reserves
Course Reserves are being organized for the Fall Semester. If you have not already done so and would like to have items put on reserve for the Fall Semester, please email the Engineering Library at lib-engineering@uiowa.edu with a list of the materials and course number.
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library, in collaboration with the College of Engineering, is pleased to announce an Open House to introduce our new Creative Space!
The Open House will be a hands-on experience, allowing exploration of 3D scanning and virtual reality. You’ll also be able to experience the world through the lens of a 360° camera, and play the giant keyboard!
The Creative Space is designed to provide users with the space, equipment and software to Imagine, Tinker, Design, Create!
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library has a new Creative Space within the Library!! We are so pleased to be collaborating with the College of Engineering to provide this exciting new space!!
We now have a dedicated space where users will be able to imagine, tinker, design, and ultimately, create new and innovative projects! The equipment and tools needed will either be located within the room itself or available for checkout from our Tool Library!
Matter & Form 3D Scanner
The 3D scanners scan different sized objects. We have a Matter & Form, a Sense 3D Scanner, a Structor Sensor for iPad and an Xbox Kinect! 3D printers are located within the Engineering Machine Shop so your scanned images can become a physical reality!
360fly – 360 Degree Camera
Our virtual reality station is equipped with a 4400 Dell computer with video card, allowing for endless amounts of virtual reality creation and display. Two 3D cameras – 360fly and a RICOH Theta may be checked out of the Tool Library for one week. Leap Motion controllers, which sense your hands moving naturally in 3D, are also available in the Tool Library for a one week check-out. To enhance your experience there is an Oculus Rift – a virtual reality headset with precise tracking and integrated headphones to provide a full 3D effect. The Oculus Rift may be checked out from the Tool Library for a 2 hour period and may only be used within the library.
Three of the 5 glass “white” boards!
The new Creative Space is also equipped with 5 glass “white” boards (check out the colors!). Let the brainstorming begin!
There are 2 collaboration stations. Each station has a 43″ (4K) quad monitor and a stationary computer. The quad monitor allows the monitor screen to be split from a single screen up to 4 independent screens. It also has laptop jacks available – and the adapters and chargers are available for checkout from the Tool Library.
There is also a modeling station equipped with 4 computers, 6 Leap Motion controllers and Wacom drawing tablets. The computers are equipped with the software needed get your project started! The Leap Motion controllers and the drawing tablets may be checked out from the Tool Library.
Want to try tinkering with something new, but really don’t know where to start? Check out what we have in our Tool Library! We now have Creative Boxes to get you started! Thinking about trying some wearable tech? We have a LilyPad Design Kit (LDK) in our Tool Library. It includes everything you need to complete 6 simple experiments which will teach you how to sew basic circuits, light LEDs, create interactive designs, and more!
SparkFun Inventor’s Kit for RedBot
Do motor robots interest you? Check out the RedBot Creative Box from the Tool Library. The SparkFun Inventor’s Kit (SIK) for RedBot is a great way to get started! It doesn’t require previous programming experience but will help you learn to use the Arudino programming language. The Creative Box has everything you’ll need to complete 16 circuits that will teach you to read sensors, display information on an LCD, drive motors, and more. You don’t need any previous programming or electronics experience to use this kit – and it does not require any soldering!
Besides the LDK, SIK and SIK RedBot we also have a LittleBits Gizmos & Gadgets Kit, a Raspberry Pi starter kit, and a MaKey MaKey! All are available to be checked out from our Tool Library! With our available Creative Boxes you’ll be able to play a piano with fruit (MaKey MaKey), learn Arduino programming language (SparkFun Inventor’s Kit), learn to use the credit-card sized computer (Raspberry Pi Starter Kit), make remote controlled racecars and automatic bubble blowers (LittleBits), learn motor robotics (RedBot), and play with wearable technology (Lilly Pad)!
Working with the Engineering Electronics Shop (EES) and the Engineering Machine Shop (EMS) you can make your vision a reality. EES has many services available including electronic design automation software (EDA), circuit board fabrication, laser etching and cutting, PC board construction – and lots more! EMS provides 3D printers/prototype equipment, CNC milling machine, drill press, sheet metal brake, welders, a water jet cutter – and lots more! Be sure to check out their websites to learn about all the services they offer!
We have what you need to get started on that project!
