Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education, the fall 2025 exhibition in the Main Library Gallery, features an array of unique items from University of Iowa Libraries collections that share the history of paper technologies and movable books. A significant number of books on display are from the John Martin Rare Book Room at HardinContinue reading “Curator Q&A with Damien Ihrig”
Author Archives: Sara J. Pinkham
Students investigate: examining paper technology and cultural trends through paper dolls
This series features the work and research of UI students. The following was written by Cecil Campbell, exhibition and engagement student lead for the Main Library Gallery. Everyone can relate to the experience of playing with toys as a little kid. Whether Barbie dolls or action figures, dump trucks or Hot Wheels, the toys weContinue reading “Students investigate: examining paper technology and cultural trends through paper dolls”
Interactive exhibition features rare movable books and paper technology
The Main Library Gallery at the University of Iowa Libraries (UI Libraries) welcomes visitors to experience a stunning exhibition of rare movable books and paper objects this fall. Free and open to the public, Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education opened on Aug. 25 and will be on display through Dec. 19, 2025. PaperContinue reading “Interactive exhibition features rare movable books and paper technology”
‘Hawkeye Histories’ at home
The fall 2024 Main Library Gallery exhibition, Hawkeye Histories | Sporting Stories, is now available to view online. Click here to view the accessible version of this interactive content The virtual tour is a self-paced journey through the exhibition. It features 360° photos of the Main Library Gallery, which allow the viewer to move from areaContinue reading “‘Hawkeye Histories’ at home”
Cecil Campbell joins Main Library Gallery team
The University Libraries is excited to welcome Cecil Campbell as the first exhibition and engagement student lead for the Main Library Gallery. This new student position was created to be a key member of the gallery’s team. Cecil will assist with a little bit of everything, including exhibition preparation and installation, campus and community outreach,Continue reading “Cecil Campbell joins Main Library Gallery team”
Bringing exhibitions to life: behind the scenes of ‘A Roll of the Dice’ with designer 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, Lauren is always especially excited about one of the more unique challenges of the job: creating the look andContinue reading “Bringing exhibitions to life: behind the scenes of ‘A Roll of the Dice’ with designer Lauren Coghlan “
Main Library Gallery seeking 2027–2028 exhibit proposals
The Main Library Gallery at the University of Iowa Libraries is now seeking exhibition proposals for spring 2027, fall 2027, spring 2028, and fall 2028. Iowa faculty and staff from all areas of expertise are invited to submit initial statements of interest for consideration during round one of the selection process through April 7, 2025.Continue reading “Main Library Gallery seeking 2027–2028 exhibit proposals”
A Roll of the Dice: new Main Library Gallery exhibit explores one poem’s worldwide influence
The Main Library Gallery’s spring 2025 exhibition, A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive, highlights a series of captivating artworks from the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry. From laser-etched plexiglass panels hanging from the ceiling to a knit sweater with real dice for buttons, the artworks coverContinue reading “A Roll of the Dice: new Main Library Gallery exhibit explores one poem’s worldwide influence”
‘Making the Book’ virtual tour: discover book art and history from anywhere
The spring 2024 Main Library Gallery exhibition, Making the Book, Past and Present, is an experience featuring global book art and rare books from Special Collections and Archives at the University of Iowa Libraries. Classes and community visitors have enjoyed visiting in person this semester, and now the exhibit is available to view online. ClickContinue reading “‘Making the Book’ virtual tour: discover book art and history from anywhere”
What we share with the past: a Q&A with ‘Making the Book’ exhibition curators Emily Martin and Eric Ensley
by Sara J. Pinkham Books have the extraordinary power to turn their stewards into time travelers. A roughly sewn leather cover on a medieval book or a centuries-old doodle can reveal a lot about a book’s owner and its use. Minuscule notes scribbled in the margins of a plague-year calendar can hold weightier sway overContinue reading “What we share with the past: a Q&A with ‘Making the Book’ exhibition curators Emily Martin and Eric Ensley”