When the University of Iowa Libraries first received James Dixon’s papers in 2021, Katie Buehner knew there was a story waiting to be told about his adventurous international 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 Kim, close friends of Dixon who generously donated more than 1,200 music scores along with photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other materials. They offered a fascinating look into the life of one of Iowa’s most influential conductors, who served as longtime director of both the UI Symphony Orchestra and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
James Dixon conducting a Seventh Army Symphony rehearsal in Germany, 1953. James Dixon Papers, University Archives, University of Iowa Libraries
“I think listening to the stories from people who played under Dixon’s baton really drew me into wanting to know more about him and his philosophy of music-making,” says Buehner. “There’s great admiration for him as a skilled conductor and musician, even if he could be gruff and demanding.”
The collection inspired Buehner to propose an exhibition honoring Dixon’s distinguished career, with a focus on his efforts to build community around music. She sought the perspective of music history scholar Sarah Suhadolnik, an assistant professor of instruction in the UI School of Music, to round out the exhibit’s storytelling and contextualize his 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.
Co-curators Katie Buehner and Sarah Suhadolnik in “The Conductor’s Study” inside their Main Library Gallery exhibition. Photo: Krista Hershberger
“I always listen with great interest to Katie’s tales of how the library collects the rare items it accumulates. Discussions of the work involved in acquiring the Dixon materials pushed me to develop my ‘Histories of U.S. Orchestras’ graduate seminar,” says Suhadolnik. “When it came time to put the exhibit together, Katie thought my work on the course would prove useful in developing the narrative for the exhibit. It did.”
“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 “behind the podium” look at how orchestras of all sizes connect with their communities and become crucial to sustaining them.
“This is a story about Iowa and Iowans,” says Buehner. “While many of the characters in the 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.”
The co-curators also say the exhibit has special meaning for each of them through their own lens: Suhadolnik as a scholar and musician whose research focuses on the history of American orchestras, and Buehner as a librarian and musician who helped bring Dixon’s extensive collection to the Libraries.
“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 undertakings.”
“At its most personal to me, the exhibit is an ode to what I fear can get lost in conservatory-style music education. Long hours alone in a practice room can make it hard to feel enmeshed in a larger musical ecosystem,” says Suhadolnik. “The rigors of this type of musical training can undermine a performer’s relationship with prospective listeners, and/or make attending a live performance as part of an audience into a chore.”
“I haven’t seen many exhibits about music, especially centered on classical music stories, and that’s a world I’ve inhabited for decades now,” says Buehner. “It’s very easy to say that classical music or orchestras are passe and not accessible to the average person, but I think this exhibit tells a different story. It shows how orchestras can and are community-rich organizations that connect people with all kinds of music and experiences.”
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 UI 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, Culshaw invited Phillips and her husband, Skip, to return for a tour and update on the Libraries’ evolution since her student days 50 years ago.
“Needless to say, I was impressed,” says the Norwalk, Iowa, resident.
The renewed connection eventually led to involvement with the LAC, and when Culshaw invited Phillips to serve she says, “it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
Phillips recently completed a one-year term as chair and has been a member of the group since 2023. The LAC actively champions the Libraries and provides 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 to a deserving student employed in the Main Library, with a preference for those enrolled in the College of Education.
“In a sense it is a small repayment for a huge debt of gratitude,” Phillips says. “Supporting the Libraries also means helping ensure that the opportunities I received as a student remain available to the next generation.”
More than anything, Phillips says her experience on the LAC has strengthened her connection to the Libraries, and she’s honored to give back to the place that has meant so much to her.
“Serving as a member and as chair of the LAC has been a privilege and an honor,” says Phillips. “I am grateful to the Libraries and the university for this opportunity.”
In her honor, the Libraries added a cookbook to the Szathmary Culinary Cookbook Collection and a book artists’ compass to the Map Collection in Special Collections and Archives.
Laura Michelson, curator of rare books and maps, presented the items to Phillips.
The 1882 edition of Swedish-American Book of Cookery and Advisor for Swedish Servants 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 friends,” says Phillips.
Finding My Way by Carole Kundstadt is one-of-a-kind, setting a world map from 1875 in a small compact mirror, anchored by sewn threads and crystals. “This was a particularly poignant gift as my professional role was one of career counselor to adults who were trying to find their way,” she adds.
The special items were purchased in honor of Phillips’ service with support from the University Libraries Excellence Fund.
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.
The University of Iowa Libraries has created the Research Commons, a new department that brings together the expertise of the Digital Scholarship & Publishing Studio (DSPS) and Scholarly Impact to streamline access to research support services.
Located on the first floor of the Main Library in Room 1015, the Research Commons serves as a hub for faculty, staff, and students seeking guidance throughout the research lifecycle in areas such as:
Digital project design, technical development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Scholarly publishing, open access, copyright guidance, and dissemination platforms.
Research visibility, impact, and scholarly communication.
Instruction, training, and experiential learning opportunities that build research skills.
“The Research Commons reflects our commitment to providing coordinated, researcher-centered support,” says Jade E. Davis, associate university librarian for Teaching, Learning, and Research. “By connecting our expertise through one department, the UI Libraries is making it easier for the campus community to discover services, build partnerships, and maximize outcomes at every stage of their research.”
Led by Director Donna Brooks, the Research Commons will continue hosting and maintaining existing DSPS and Scholarly Impact projects, publications, and partnerships while expanding programs and services. Researchers will also continue working with their current project teams.
Additional information about services, project intake, and engagement opportunities will be shared this fall. Proposals for new Research Commons projects will open in January 2027.
The University of Iowa Libraries has launched a new journal search tool to help authors identify journals that are eligible for open access (OA) agreements with scholarly publishers. The tool is updated when journals are added or removed from OA agreements. Users can search by journal title, subject area, publisher, or ISSN to find eligible journals.
In these journals, article processing charges (APCs) for eligible articles published by corresponding authors affiliated with the university will be covered, waived, or discounted. Authors will retain copyright and select a Creative Commons license to make their work immediately open and available. Articles published through OA agreements will be added to the UI Libraries Support Open Access collection in Iowa Research Online.
Open access agreements and the journal search tool are part of the Libraries’ commitment to support open access. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Scheib, director of the Scholarly Impact Department.
The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) and Wiley have renewed its open access agreement for 2026–2027. The full Wiley Online Library of journals remains available, and unlimited publishing in Wiley’s hybrid OA journals at no cost extends through Dec. 31, 2027.
With this new agreement, there is a limited allocation for publishing in Wiley’s gold OA journals. Articles submitted by University of Iowa corresponding authors to Wiley’s gold OA journals by Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, are guaranteed to be covered by the agreement. After this date, authors will need to seek funding support from other sources.
The Scholarly Impact Department at the UI Libraries is here to help authors navigate the changes, and please reach out to Director Sara Scheib for assistance.
Please note: As of 9/1/26, UI corresponding authors submitting toWiley’s gold OA journalsare now responsible for the APCs. You can use the Libraries’ OA Agreement Journal Search Tool to find journals eligible for the agreements. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Sara Scheib, research impact and scholarly communication strategist.
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.
Gage Johnson, from Badger, Iowa, is a student in the Master of Clinical Anatomy program.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: Working at the Sciences Library has helped me develop strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills that I will carry into my future career in podiatric medicine. As one of the first points of contact for students and faculty, I have learned how to listen actively, explain information clearly, and adapt my approach to meet each person’s needs. Managing circulation tasks, equipment, and study spaces has strengthened my attention to detail and taught me to anticipate challenges before they arise, which are skills essential in any clinical environment. These experiences have shaped the way I interact with others and will directly inform how I care for patients, communicate complex information, and build trust in a healthcare setting.
Q: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?
A: Working at the Sciences Library has shown me from the very beginning how deeply my supervisors value students and their well-being. They recognize the stress of balancing academics, work, and personal responsibilities, and consistently go out of their way to support us in any way they can. Their understanding and compassion have made a significant impact on both my undergraduate and graduate experiences, creating an environment where I feel encouraged, respected, and able to grow. I am forever grateful for their guidance and the confidence they have helped me build during my time at the library.
Obatola Layiwola is pursuing an MFA in graphic design with a secondary emphasis in 3D design. He is from Madison, South Dakota.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: The projects here have helped develop my creative technology and mentorship skills, which I know will be valuable in both academic and industry settings. A highlight of my learning experience is my contribution to the fall 2025 Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education exhibit in the Main Library Gallery. I collaborated with Matthew Butler, Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio senior developer, and Alyssa Varner, DSPS creative coordinator, to design an interactive screen that merged video production, three-dimensional design, user experience design, and front-end development. This project pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, requiring me to learn and integrate multiple skill sets into one cohesive experience, which has ultimately made me a more resilient designer.
Looking ahead, I plan to teach and apply these skills in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments to develop products, solutions, and experiences that positively impact our community and the country.
A: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?
Q: Working at the DSPS was full of exciting collaborations, networking opportunities, and friendships. Being surrounded by the kind, brilliant, passionate people at the library, who care deeply about their work has been such a pleasurable experience. I am especially grateful for Donna Brooks’ leadership at DSPS for fostering such a space; her kind and encouraging leadership style has taught me empathy, patience, and the value of creating spaces where people feel supported and inspired.
Hailee McCormick from Pleasantville, Iowa, earned a Master of Arts in library and information science with a focus in special collections and archives in May 2026.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: My work in the library helped me develop professional skills by giving me vital hands-on experience in the field such as leading classes that come in for visits to Special Collections and Archives or working with our digital repository on ArchivesSpace. I did the work that I hope to be doing in the future under the guidance of staff members that want me to succeed. I’ll use the skills that I have learned while working for the Libraries to make the Special Collections Department that I will be working in a more open and inviting place for people who are hesitant or unfamiliar with special collections and also to work on increasing access to the items housed there.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: There have been things that have surprised me about working in a library! I think that the most surprising aspect of library work to me is just how varied all of the reference questions that we receive are. It’s always a treat to get to see what research others are doing and how I am able to help them!
Catie Reynolds earned a Master of Arts in library and information science with a certificate in special collections and archives in May 2026. She considers Rockford, Illinois, her hometown.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: In the two semesters that I worked with Humanities and Social Sciences, I learned how to make research guides, answer reference questions, lead library instruction sessions, contribute to information literacy curriculum, and collaborate with multiple librarians in the department. I had never worked in a library before I started working in the Main Library, but I developed a robust professional skillset that make me a strong applicant for PhD programs and the job market.
Q: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?
A: What surprised me the most about working in a library is the sheer volume of information that is available! Even topics that seem very niche can find support with resources in subject-focused databases or digital collections. It’s amazing how many cultural heritage institutions that contribute to information access. You feel a bit like an information wizard when you find that obscure resource that helps a student complete their research too!
Two University of Iowa Libraries staff members were honored for their contributions to the organization during an awards reception in spring 2026. The recipients were selected by a committee, which reviewed nominations submitted by their colleagues.
Amy McBeth, library assistant IV Rita Benton Music Library Distinguished Service Award
Amy McBeth’s dedication to the Rita Benton 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. McBeth’s leadership sets a high bar for resilience and kindness, creating an environment where students thrive.
McBeth’s nominator and student testimonials reveal her profound impact on those she mentors. She trains students not only in library operations but also in professional skills and empathy, offering guidance that extends beyond graduation. Her care for students, especially those far from home, has fostered confidence and success in their academic and personal lives, and her blend of expertise and compassion leaves a legacy at the Music Library and beyond, according to her nominator.
The Distinguished Service Award celebrates a Libraries Merit staff member recognized by their peers who shows initiative, promotes a service mindset, values collaboration, and demonstrates respectful and inclusive behavior. The recipient leads by example, is compassionate, and champions opportunities, making a difference to their colleagues, their work, or community.
Mary Margaret Thomas, clinical education librarian Hardin Library for the Health Sciences Early Career Award
Mary Margaret Thomas has quickly distinguished herself at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences through adaptability, collaboration, and professional growth, according to her nominator. The review committee also noted her evolution into a trusted colleague who delivers tailored instruction, co‑teaches courses, and contributes to scholarship. Her initiative and versatility make her an invaluable member of the team.
Mary Margaret Thomas, clinical education librarian at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, receives the 2025 Early Career Award from Jack B. King University Librarian John Culshaw.
Her nominators highlighted achievements that go beyond expectations for an early career librarian. Thomas earned the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) Systematic Review Services Specialization, conducts rigorous searches, and co‑authored a review accepted for publication. She expanded her teaching portfolio and developed Mental Health First Aid training and toolkits that benefit both staff and students. These contributions reflect Thomas’ commitment to advancing research, instruction, and community well-being—hallmarks of an outstanding early career professional.
The Early Career Award celebrates a Libraries P&S staff member recognized by their peers for demonstrated exceptional accomplishment(s) through competency, initiative, and creativity. This award is for early career professional Libraries staff members and mirrors the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence.
Miles Dietz-Castel has been named the 2025 recipient of the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence in recognition. Dietz-Castel’s nominators highlighted his unwavering dedication, exceptional professionalism, and positive impact on the community served by the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), which is the regional medical library for Region 6, located at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences at the University of Iowa.
From left to right: Miles Dietz-Castel, communication specialist at NNLM Region 6, receives the 2025 Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence from Jack B. King University Librarian John Culshaw.
Dietz-Castel has served as communication specialist at NNLM Region 6 since May 2019 and oversees marketing and media. He also serves on the NNLM Communications Working Group and has volunteered to take on network-wide promotions, representing not only Region 6 but all seven RMLs around the country. Dietz-Castel began his time at the NNLM as an office manager in January 2018, which evolved into serving as office coordinator. The NNLM advances the progress of medicine and improve public health through access to health information by collaborating, training, and funding health centers, health departments, community organizations, as well as medical, public, and school libraries in a seven-state region.
“Miles is adaptable and collaborative and his wide-ranging skills strengthen projects across the NNLM and community and we appreciate his work,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian at the University of Iowa. “His nominators also consistently highlighted not only his flexibility and willingness to learn, but also the supportive, encouraging environment he creates for colleagues working both in person and remotely.”
One of his nominators, Jacqueline Leskovec, network specialist at NNLM Region 6, says Dietz-Castel stands out for his collaboration.
“It is evident that Miles has been an incredible asset to our office,” says Leskovec. “I have seen him grow in his positions, taking on more responsibilities and stepping up when needed. He is resourceful, creative, competent, kind, and fun to work with.”
Another one of Dietz-Caster’s nominators, Bobbi Newman, is an associate professor of practice in the UI School of Library and Information Science and former community engagement and outreach manager at NNLM Region 6. She says she’s witnessed Dietz-Castel’s commitment to excellence in everything he undertakes.
“Miles consistently goes above and beyond his assigned responsibilities, demonstrating both a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for producing high-quality work that exceeds expectations,” says Newman. She adds a prime example of Castel-Dietz’s exceptional contributions was his work on the 2023 National Health Misinformation Symposium. He took ownership of creating graphics, developing promotional materials, and providing technical support that were essential to the symposium’s success.
“His ability to translate complex health information into visually compelling and accessible materials demonstrated not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of our educational mission,” says Newman. “The quality of his work consistently impressed our team and set a standard that has been adopted across our entire network.”
“Miles takes the time to ensure that his work is of the highest quality, and in turn he ups the quality of the rest of the work the office produces as well,” says Nora Barnett, health professions outreach coordinator at NNLM Region 6. “Whether I am developing a webinar and have an idea of a promotional graphic, or I am working on a poster to raise awareness of our continuing education offerings, I know involving Miles will transform whatever I start to create into a polished and professional deliverable.”
Dietz-Castel was formally acknowledged as the recipient of the Benton Award during a staff recognition event in March 2026.
The Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence is awarded each year to a member of the Libraries’ professional staff who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in furthering its mission to serve the university community. In addition to formal recognition, the award includes a grant of $2,000 for professional development that will support Butler’s research projects or publications related to library services.
The late Dr. Arthur Benton, professor of psychology and neurology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, established the endowment to make this annual award possible.
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 the next generations. Student employees complete a wide variety of tasks, including directing users to needed resources, caring for collections, and processing material.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, 15 undergraduate student employees have been awarded scholarships in recognition of their work. Read below to get to know them and learn about their Libraries experience and its impact on their future in their own words. If you see the following outstanding students working at the Libraries, be sure to congratulate them and thank them for their efforts!
You can learn more about student scholarships on the Libraries website.
Judy and Mike Greer Scholarship in memory of Mary E. Greer
Samantha Burds Hometown: Epworth, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts in English “The friendly and open work environment at the Libraries has given me the opportunity to ask questions that help me learn about my job. Libraries are centers for information, and having more information as an employee makes me better at doing my job and giving that information to others.”
Kaleb Schlatter Hometown: Runnells, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts in history with minors in Arabic studies and cinematic arts and a Certificate in Jewish Studies “My work at the Libraries has strengthened my ability to draw on its websites and digital and physical archives, which has improved the quality of my regular academic work and helped me develop research interests. Working at the Libraries has also provided routine opportunities to practice and refine interpersonal communication skills for clarity and efficiency. Given that I intend to work in archives, academic history, or in legal spaces, the research skills, institutional knowledge, and communication skills I have developed while working at the Libraries have prepared me with the tools to adapt to new information ecosystems.”
Benton Family Music Library Student Employee Scholarship
Lydia Maier Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Major: Bachelor of Music in organ performance “Working at the Libraries has helped me strengthen several professional skills, especially time management and working with people. Balancing a heavy course load, practicing, and working at the Rita Benton Music Library have taught me how to prioritize my work, stay organized, and manage my time efficiently. I’ve also become more personable and confident in helping people, whether I’m answering questions, helping someone find a score, or simply being welcoming at the front desk. Something that has surprised me about working in the Music Library is the call number system. Before working at the Libraries, I didn’t know how to locate books or scores with the number because I didn’t understand how it worked. I have discovered how thoughtful and organized the system is and it has been super helpful to utilize!”
Brett Tomkins Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts in music education and Bachelor of Music in composition studies “Keeping account of scores and working at the Music Library helps me learn to stay organized. It also gives me the chance to compose and arrange when I don’t have any tasks, which directly impacts my career.”
Dale M. and Mary GailBentz Family Student Employee Scholarship
Sadie Crandall Hometown: Marion, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts with a triple major in anthropology, classics, and religious studies with a Museum Studies Certificate “My work at Special Collections and Archives has helped me develop not only professional skills with archiving software and physical handling techniques, but it has also allowed me to build professional relationships within a community of like-minded archivists that I love and cherish. These skills have been nurturing my knack for leadership and my ability to approach difficult archiving problems in the collections and library spheres. I am passionate about my work and my impact on the institution and community that I serve and am constantly looking for ways to improve these skills and small ways to help in the library in order to prepare for a future in collections moving forward.”
Brylee Hoeg Hometown: Grundy Center, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double major in history and ancient civilizations and a minor in anthropology and a Museum Studies Certificate “Through my work at the Libraries, I have learned how to communicate with a large group of people, and how to meet the differing needs of these people. In my future career I am going to see people every day who will need specific or different things from me, and I will need to know how to effectively and efficiently fix problems and help individual people.”
Ava Stork Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts in environmental policy and planning with a minor in urban studies and a Certificate in Sustainability “Through working as a student employee of the Libraries, I have greatly improved my communication and teamwork skills through collaborating with other students and staff and working together to complete various projects. In relation to my future career path as an urban planner, both of these skills are an essential part of plan completion and community outreach.”
Tatiana Thomas Hometown: LaGrange, Illinois Major: Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing “While working at the Art Library, I have learned to balance a multitude of tasks. I will forever and always be so surprised at how much the Art Library feels like a home. Jim (Hall, library assistant and student supervisor) and Patricia (Jimenez, director) are the most welcoming people I have ever encountered, as well as respectful and professional.”
UI Libraries Student Employee Scholarship
Brianna Bowers Hometown: Cypress, Texas Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double major in computer science and English and creative writing “I’ve learned how to balance my time between different independent projects. Knowing how to do this will be useful to me since I plan to go into a career that involves lots of independent projects alongside self-development.”
Abigail Kunzman Hometown: Hartley, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Science with a double major in health and human physiology “Something that surprised me about working at the Sciences Library is the connections that I’ve made with the staff and students. What started as just a campus job has allowed me to get to know a great staff that always makes me feel supported and part of a small community. Additionally, the role of a student mentor itself is extremely rewarding. I get to witness the personal growth and increased confidence in the learning of students who I have had the privilege to work with. Every student learns differently and at a different pace, teaching me how to adapt quickly and adjust my explanations to what they will be most receptive to. I have also learned how vulnerable it can feel asking for help, so I make it my goal to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and working through difficult concepts. The patience and communication that I’ve developed while working at the Sciences Library will not only strengthen my abilities as a future physician but will allow me to better connect and support the patients I will one day care for.”
Kethia Mulonda Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Science in Engineering in civil engineering “Working at the Lichtenberger Engineering Library has taught me a great deal about communication, patience, and problem-solving. Every shift involves interacting with different students, faculty, and staff, and I’ve learned how to clearly explain information, walk someone through a process, and stay calm even when things are busy. I’ve also improved my ability to troubleshoot issues, whether it’s technology problems, equipment questions, or finding the right resource. These skills will carry directly into my future career. Civil engineering requires strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to think through challenges in real time. The Libraries has been a great place to develop those habits early.”
Sumeyo Noor Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Science in neuroscience “Coming in as the only neuroscience student, I didn’t expect to connect with so many of my other co-workers, who were mostly in the Tippie College of Business. However, I’ve made lifelong friends here at the Business Library and every day I learn something new from everyone who works here. It feels like a close-knit family. The Business Library has also prepared me for handling professional encounters and confrontation. I think these skills will help me in my future studies as a med student and hopefully one day as a doctor. Things like being able to talk to anyone and handle conflicts are important not only for my specific area of study, but for health care professionals in general.”
Kaylee Olson Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Arts with a double major in psychology and criminology, law, and justice “My work at the Libraries has helped me develop important professional skills like strong communication and problem-solving skills by helping patrons, attention to detail through tasks like shelving books and closing, and time management skills by balancing work at the Libraries with a full academic schedule. These tasks taken together have helped me develop a stronger work ethic, and I feel confident using these skills in tasks that will carry into any future career. I was surprised at how often I actually looked forward to going to work at the Libraries. I often feel much more grounded, even on the most stressful days, after a shift. It has been a great place for me to make crucial connections and grow as a person.”
Steven Siegel Hometown: Van Meter, Iowa Major: Bachelor of Science in biology “I have learned a lot of professional communication skills that have already begun to serve me well in my future career. I am able to efficiently communicate and plan different projects with my coworkers and management.”
Jillian Witt Hometown: Queens, New York Major: Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing “The main professional skills I’ve learned in my time here has been patron interaction and working with a team, which will be crucial skills in any kind of work environment. As I am considering going into academics, a useful skill I have learned at the Libraries has been researching and finding materials related to a specific subject. I am also considering going into library sciences and learning how to navigate the Library of Congress Classification system has been a valuable skill.”
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. From cutting-edge databases to rare books, join us to explore a world of research, preservation, and discovery that fosters student success through countless touchpoints.
Students and visitors to the UI Libraries get to experience unique and rare materials on display at the Main Library Gallery and at small displays and galleries throughout each building. What they don’t see is the careful process of preparing both the materials themselves and the display mounts that make it possible to have these items out for the public to view. Due to their age, sensitive components, or other factors, these materials must be attentively prepared for display. They also receive custom-made mounts, allowing them to be presented in a way that will not cause stress or damage.
Behind this process is Conservation and Collections Care, which provides specialized treatment for all of the Libraries’ collections, advises on issues of collection storage and use, and manages the preparation and installation of all materials for exhibition. Bill Voss is one of the department professionals and he specializes in making exhibit mounts and preparing materials for display, in addition to performing complex treatments on materials from the UI Libraries distinctive collections. Using a variety of materials and tools—which he also makes himself—Bill ensures the UI Libraries’ collections receive high-quality care as they engage with students and the University of Iowa community.
Bill has a bachelor’s degree in Russian from Lawrence University and a master’s degree in Slavic linguistics from the University of Washington. He has worked at the UI Libraries for over 25 years, during which time he also earned a Certificate in Book Arts from the UI Center for the Book. Get to know Bill and learn more about his work in the questions and answers below.
Q: How does your work influence people’s experience when they visit the UI Libraries? A: Students engage with my work when viewing our exhibits in the Main Library Gallery, the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room, and various pop-up exhibits around campus. I also sometimes work on rare materials that are utilized for various classes in the library.
Q: When does your job feel most rewarding? A: I really enjoy working with rare materials from our Special Collections and Archives. Some of our most interesting materials that are in need of treatment and/or display end up crossing my bench.
Q: What is a favorite exhibit that you’ve worked? A: My favorite exhibit was last semester’s Paper Engineering in Art, Science, and Education, which provided a number of unique display challenges from pop-up books and paper dolls to tunnel books and historic medical flap books. These required some innovative mount designs and the creative use of a lot of tiny magnets and supports that are mostly hidden from the viewer.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work? A: Some of my other interests are fine leather bookbinding, paper marbling, and guitar. I also have an extensive collection of tarot card decks, many of which are cat themed.
