The University of Iowa Libraries offers students from the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) a unique opportunity to develop their skills and passion through student employment and practicums. Eleanor Ball is one of these students and she stands out through her many positive contributions according to her instructors, supervisors, and peers. Her passion to foster scholarship, empower students, and advocate for libraries are at the heart of Eleanor’s dedication to her work.
Eleanor came to Iowa in the fall of 2023 to earn a Master of Library Information Science, after graduating from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in public health and English in 2022. She quickly made an impression in a SLIS course taught by Katie DeVries, who is a social sciences librarian at the Libraries. This led to Eleanor’s fall 2024 practicum, supervised by Katie. During this time, Eleanor developed and led a 50-minute information literacy session for a Communication Studies lecture section. Throughout the semester, she also staffed the Just Ask Desk, helping patrons with their research needs. Katie was impressed by Eleanor’s dedication and abilities.
“Eleanor maintains a consistent professional presence across contexts,” says Katie. “She exhibits expertise and openness. Students in the classroom and students in consultations seem at ease following Eleanor’s lead and her work in these areas is inspired and thorough.”
Eleanor Ball works in acquisitions and e-resources at the Libraries.
Now, Eleanor works with Julie Gaida, electronic resources librarian, as a practicum student in acquisitions and e-resources. The Acquisitions Department purchases resources in all formats for the Libraries to build and maintain collections that meet current and future teaching and research needs. Julie has already seen Eleanor’s meaningful impact in the department.
“Her enthusiasm for learning and her ability to quickly grasp complex concepts inherent within electronic resources work has been remarkable,” explains Julie. “Her strong work ethic, progress, and contributions have been nothing short of impressive.”
After graduation, Eleanor hopes to continue working in academic libraries. She is especially interested in liaison and instruction roles. Read the following questions and answers with Eleanor to get to know her, in her own words.
Q: What attracted you to the University of Iowa? A: I am from Des Moines, Iowa. I chose to come back to the state for my MLIS because I feel passionate about fostering scholarship, empowering students, and advocating for libraries in our state.
Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Libraries? A: Through my work at the Law Library and my practicums at the Main Library, I’ve gotten to try a little bit of everything in academic librarianship: technical services, user services, instruction, and—currently—e-resources and acquisitions. At this stage in my career, I’m trying to soak up everything that I can. So, I really appreciate the diversity of learning opportunities I’ve been provided. Plus, librarians are some of the nicest co-workers out there!
Q: How has working at the Libraries impacted you, either personally or professionally? A: Working at the Libraries provides me with the real-world experience essential for landing a job in my field. The working librarians here are an invaluable resource for my professional development.
Q: What has been your favorite class at Iowa so far? A: I got my first taste of the world of acquisitions in SLIS: 6345 Stewardship of Information and Collections. This class made me realize that collection development and management aren’t as intimidating as I thought, and it paved the way for me to do my current practicum in acquisitions and e-resources.
We are saddened by the news of Pamela Spitzmueller passing on March 13, 2025. Pam was the University of Iowa Libraries’ second conservator, serving from 1989–1999.
After leaving Iowa, Pam was the chief conservator for Special Collections in the Harvard University and College Libraries where she directed the Special Collections Conservation Lab in the Weissman Preservation Center until she retired. Pam also spent time at the Library of Congress and the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Pam Spitzmueller served as the University of Iowa Libraries’ second conservator from 1989–1999.
Pam’s inquisitive nature is well known by the staff, interns, and students who worked with her. It is said that Pam’s classes, workshops, or tutorials were about asking questions and “trying things out.” She inspired investigation that required making and specifically making models. Pam’s creative work was largely inspired by historical structures, and she was constantly experimenting. Her artist book work and conservation work merged, creating hypothetical books with “what if?” elements that continue to delight and amuse.
Inside the University of Iowa Librariesis 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.
Christine Bellomy is a library cataloger by day and a musician by night (and weekends). Christine has worked her way up through a variety of positions at the University of Iowa Libraries. Beginning as a cataloging student worker in 1989, Christine was later hired as a library assistant II in 2000. With a Master of Library Information Science and a doctorate in clarinet performance and pedagogy, Christine has become a library assistant IV with a music cataloging emphasis in the Cataloging, Metadata, and Digitization Department at the Main Library.
Christine’s work is all about making it easy for students, staff, and faculty to find the information they need. She works behind-the-scenes cataloging materials for the Rita Benton Music Library, including music scores, books, CDs, and DVDs. This can be recording titles, authors, composers, etc. of each material correctly and uniformly. It can also be assigning call numbers and subject headings to materials. This labeling and organizing ensures that users can find what they need with an easy search, can distinguish between different pieces with the same or similar titles (e.g., “sonata” or “symphony”), and, finally, can easily locate physical materials in the Libraries.
Although her work at the Libraries is behind-the-scenes, Christine thrives in front of an audience. She regularly performs with Orchestra Iowa, the Quad City Symphony, and the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. Her passion for live music is contagious. She promotes their performances both by sharing information with friends and colleagues, and by producing short promotional videos. This is where her creativity and fun-loving nature truly shine. You will see this sense of humor in Christine’s answers below, highlighting some of her favorite materials.
Christine points to composer Alex Shapiro’s note in Circus of Fleas for clarinet, violin and piano.
Q: What might someone find surprising about your work? A: Working in cataloging exposes you to a lot of interesting (and sometimes funny) information and resources. I learned that “skiffle” (a genre of folk music) is a thing from cataloging Skiffle Sensation. I laughed when I cataloged Eat That Frog! Action Workbook. I enjoyed this note from composer Alex Shapiro about Circus of Fleas for clarinet, violin and piano: “Life is short. Fleas are short. This piece is short. And fast. Like fleas. Except that unlike fleas, this piece makes a great encore. Fleas: not so much. So step right up! A trio awaits to amuse you with their amazing antics! No fleas were harmed in the making of this music.”
People might also be surprised that reading books is not part of my job description. Finally, people don’t often realize that library-related information is incorporated into a variety of resources beyond the library catalog to assist students with information retrieval. For example, the University of Iowa School of Music Recordings Archive uses the same authorized forms in its metadata to help people find and distinguish things, such as the difference between John Williams the composer, John Williams the classical guitarist, and John Williams the double bass player or between two different Mozart piano sonatas in C major.
Q: How do you see technology impacting your daily work? A: We are constantly working to improve our catalog and other library resources to make them more user-friendly and linked to additional resources. We attend webinars and conferences to learn more about how improvements in non-library technology can be integrated into our records and resources to help students find materials even beyond the Libraries using metadata and a variety of international standards (such as authorized name forms and other coded data).
Q: What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers? A: Explore many different things that interest you. If you have a passion that does not appear to be viable for full-time work, look at possibly related careers that interest you and might allow you to enjoy pursuing both. Be bold and brave and ask questions about things. If there are people you admire, especially in your areas of interest, evaluate what makes them successful and consider contacting them for an interview, lunch, and/or job shadow. You might end up making a connection that benefits your career in addition to learning new things.
Q: Outside of work, what are your other interests? A: I am a clarinetist, playing with Orchestra Iowa, the Quad City Symphony, and the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. I also teach private clarinet lessons and enjoy performing with my students in a variety of styles and venues. I have fun creating new educational programs for Orchestra Iowa’s Music in the Schools woodwind quintet program (often using resources from the Rita Benton Music Library) and creating “commercials” for Orchestra Iowa. I consult the Rita Benton Music Library and its staff for many things related to my music work (e.g., information about composers, program note research, information about new works and resources, and access to scores). I spend my spare time reading, especially books in a series so I can follow characters, and playing pinochle and other games with friends and family, especially at El Senor Cactus.
Are you concerned about lowering students’ textbook costs? Do you wish you could develop your own course resources to enhance your teaching? If so, you might consider applying for the OpenHawks grant program at the University of Iowa.
Over the last several years, OpenHawks has funded over 70 Open Educational Resources (OER) projects across a broad range of disciplines and saved students nearly $2 million to date. Read more about the OpenHawks projects that received funding in 2024-2025.
What is OpenHawks?
OpenHawks is a campuswide grant program that funds instructor efforts to replace their current textbooks with OER for enhanced student success. This program, funded by the Office of the Provost and UI Libraries, is open to any faculty member or graduate student who teaches for-credit courses and medical residencies at the university. If you are concerned about the cost or quality of your existing textbooks and would like to explore OER, this might be just the program you need. There is a range of awards available, depending on the type of project you’d like to complete. OER can include textbooks, course readings, simulations, games, quizzes, and many other tools or techniques used in education.
Why use OER?
There are many benefits of using OER in your courses, such as:
Reducing costs for students – By using OER, you can help your students save money and reduce financial barriers to education.
Improving student learning outcomes – Studies have shown that students who use OER perform as well or better than those who use traditional textbooks and are more likely to complete their courses.
Tailoring resources to your students’ needs – Because OER are openly licensed, you can amend them, add local examples, even involve your students in editing them.
How to apply for OpenHawks
The program offers five types of grants, ranging from $500 to $10,000, depending on the scope and scale of the OER project.
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is Friday, April 25, 2025. To apply, you need to complete an online Qualtrics application. You can find more information about the application process, eligibility criteria, and evaluation rubric on the OpenHawks website.
Need help or have questions?
If you are interested in applying for the OpenHawks grant program, or if you have any questions about OER, feel free to contact Scholarly Communications Librarian Mahrya Burnett at mahrya-burnett@uiowa.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the growing movement of OER at the UI and beyond. Apply for today and make a difference in your teaching and learning!
When the University of Iowa Libraries was established in 1855, its collection consisted of 50 books shelved in a room no larger than a broom closet. Over the past 170 years, the Libraries has developed into its current incarnation: a world-class system with seven campus libraries; a state-of-the-art, high-density print preservation facility; and a museum-quality exhibition gallery.
Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines depend on the Libraries for academic and research support—but for the thousands of student employees throughout the years, one of its most impactful offerings is on-the-job learning that sets them up for success.
Carmela Furio, student employee in Special Collections and Archives.
Carmela Furio loves the hands-on nature of their job in the Libraries Special Collections and Archives. As new books arrive at the Libraries, Furio handles them with care, recording relevant attributes for future researchers. The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) student works as a library support lead supervised by Jenna Silver, processing coordinator archivist.
“I’m grateful for the unique opportunity to process and accession manuscript collections as a student worker,” says Furio. “Be it World War II-era love letters, science fiction fanzines, or 19th-century ephemera, it’s amazing to know the materials I work with will go on to support historical narratives far beyond my time at Iowa.”
When Furio started as a library student employee, they were an undergraduate who had just accepted a place in SLIS after applying during their fourth year at Iowa. Already a frequent user of the Libraries, Furio was drawn to the field of library and information science because of its connection to some of their most deeply held values, including open access and community heritage. But before starting the program, Furio wanted to gain familiarity with the libraries they loved from a new perspective: that of an employee.
Carmela Furio processes materials found in the David Cole Papers (Msc1260).
“It was actually a big worry of mine, not having enough experience before I started my program,” says Furio. “But Special Collections became this wonderful confirmation that library work was for me.”
Furio is one of about 135 students who are employed by the Libraries during any given semester. These student workers fill a variety of roles, and they’re essential to the daily operations of all seven libraries.
“From the Main Library Service Desk to the Annex, our student workers help the Libraries excel as learning environments and community-building spaces,” says John Culshaw, Jack B. King university librarian. “We do all we can—through scholarships, mentorship, and other support—to ensure that they get just as much out of the Libraries as they give.”
The data shows that student library workers feel that support. In fall 2024, half of Libraries student employees were returning to roles they’d had the previous semester, and it’s common for students to continue working for the Libraries throughout their time at the university.
Dr. Lisa Kreber, former student employee at the former Biology Library, which merged into the Sciences Library.
Upon graduation, student library workers also receive their diplomas while wearing Hawkeye old gold honor cords that set them apart as alumni of the Libraries. For many, like Dr. Lisa Kreber (BS ’99), it’s a designation they carry with pride long after they graduate. Kreber is a neuroscientist and multisite director of neurology at the Brain and Spine Institute within Adventist Health in Bakersfield, California. For 25 years, she has dedicated her career to improving results for patients recovering from brain injuries.
“All these years later, I often still think about the job I had working in the Libraries and how that shaped my life,” says Kreber. “It was quite the experience.”
Kreber sought a position in the former Biology Library (which has since been merged into the Sciences Library) immediately upon enrolling at Iowa. At the time, she felt confident about where her path would lead: to medical school, then on to a career as a neurosurgeon or neurologist. Instead, the job offered her something even more precious, revealing new possibilities when her certitude wavered.
Lisa Kreber during her time as a student at the University of Iowa.
“As I took classes, I realized I didn’t like biology as much as I loved psychology and neuroscience,” says Kreber. “My experience in the Biology Library interacting with professors gave me the courage to approach one of my psychology professors, Dr. Mark Blumberg, about becoming a student researcher in his lab.”
Kreber started working with Blumberg while continuing her role at the Libraries. From there, a path began to unfurl before her, including earning a PhD in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
“I’m not sure I would have decided to pursue a PhD had it not been for my experiences in the Biology Library,” Kreber says. “The conversations I had there influenced me, and I developed a passion for research.”
Kreber is not the only alum whose job in the Libraries led to a calling. James Fitzmaurice, emeritus professor of English at Northern Arizona University and now an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield (U.K.), began working at the Art Library in 1967 while pursuing a PhD in English.
James Fitzmaurice, former student employee at the Art Library.
Without a visual arts background, Fitzmaurice was initially nervous that he wouldn’t know enough to help students at the Art Library. But through daily interactions with faculty and students, Fitzmaurice became interested in the intersections of art and literature.
Eventually, the visual arts found their way into his dissertation, which focused on 18th-century emblem books. His research took him deeper into Special Collections and Archives, where he handled volumes whose illustrated contents would become the core of his academic career.
To this day, Fitzmaurice looks back with extreme gratitude at the encouragement he received from his supervisor at the time, art librarian Harlan Sifford.
Author James Fitzmaurice (left) returned to the University of Iowa for a conversation about his young adult novel, Hobgoblin Gennel, moderated by Library and Information Science graduate student Theo Prineas as part of the Iowa City Book Festival in October 2024.
“[Sifford] said, ‘Well, if you’re checking in a book and it looks interesting, if there’s no one around, you should just read it,’” says Fitzmaurice. “Because of that, the visual arts have been extremely important in my understanding of literature throughout my career.”
Kreber, too, remembers the names of her supervisors and the lessons they imparted. “I strive to be a boss like Bob [Lane] and Jeff [Dodd] were to me,” she says. “Supportive, compassionate, and always willing to roll up my sleeves to help my team.”
These meaningful supervisory relationships are crucial in setting employment at the Libraries apart from the more than 7,000 other roles for students on campus. And they’re among the threads that bind generations of the Libraries’ student workers—no matter what else changes at the university or in the field of librarianship.
The Art Library’s Jim Hall, library assistant, takes that legacy seriously. In 2023, the students he supervised expressed their gratitude by nominating him for a campuswide award, UI Student Supervisor of the Year. The Pomerantz Career Center selected Hall for the award from a field of 106 nominees.
According to Hall, acting as an effective supervisor and mentor requires two central values: patience and encouragement.
“I try to impress upon student employees that we appreciate them,” says Hall. “Patricia [Gimenez, director of the Art Library] and I want them to know how important they are to the operation of the library, without laying on any additional pressure. It’s really not possible to be too patient.”
And that supportive philosophy clearly resonates with students. According to Hall’s nominators, his mentorship provides the knowledge they need for problem solving and he constantly prioritizes their mental health in the workplace.
When student employees eventually move into the wider world—as Kreber and Fitzmaurice as well as Hall’s students have—the impact of the Libraries echoes far beyond campus. That’s why Culshaw has expanded opportunities for students to receive the kind of advanced training and scholarship support that have benefited student library workers through the decades.
“Our student workers remain a part of our community all their lives,” says Culshaw, who started his own career with a job at his undergraduate institution’s library. “They are an important part of the Libraries’ story, just as we hope to be part of theirs.”
Whatever happens, the priorities that will define the Libraries’ next chapter are clear, including support for students like Furio, whose time in Special Collections and Archives has affirmed more than their choice of career.
“I’ve gained so many mentors working here, and for the first time ever I can really see a path ahead where I’m happy and feel like myself,” says Furio.
To learn more about how you can support Libraries’ student employees, including advanced students such as Furio, contact paula.wiley@foriowa.org.
Did your time as a Libraries student worker positively impact your life? Please share your thoughts with us at lib-communication@uiowa.edu for inclusion in a future Bindings.
Love Data Week (Feb. 10–14) is a celebration of data, including data science and data management, held around Valentine’s Day every year. This year’s theme “Whose Data Is It, Anyway?” asks us to examine who owns data and who uses it. So how can the University of Iowa Libraries’ Research Data Services help you year-round?
Get credit for your work
When you share your data through a repository, like our institutional repository Iowa Research Online (IRO), you establish yourself as the creator of the dataset with a preserved record of your work. Repositories preserve and provide access to the data, and provide persistent, unique identifiers (like DOIs) and other information so others can find, understand, and use your data in their own research. Protecting the integrity of the data and enabling others to find and accurately cite your work can broaden your research impact and accelerate research progress. Many funders and publishers encourage or require data sharing.
Data curation adds value
Research Data Services collaborate with researchers to curate their data for sharing in IRO. Data curation encompasses several activities, such as reviewing data files and formats, adding and refining documentation/metadata (e.g., readme files, abstracts, keywords), linking the data to funding sources and publications, and checking for typos and minor errors. These practices go hand in hand with supporting reproducibility and FAIR principles.
A 2023 survey examining data curation across six academic institutions found that 90% of researchers who used curation services had increased confidence in data sharing after the curation process, 97% believe it enhances data sharing, and 96% agreed that data curation is worth the effort (Marsolek et al., 2023).
To learn more about how Research Data Services can provide valuable assistance, please visit our website or contact us.
Each year, the University of Iowa Libraries recognizes two 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) receive a scholarship of $2,500 and are selected by a committee based on their application essays and input from their supervisors. The recipients for 2024–25 are Emily Wieder and Luke Ayers. Below, Emily and Luke share insights from their work in the Libraries and how they hope to apply the experience to their future careers.
Emily Wieder grew up in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, moving to Iowa City to study French and francophone world studies in the fall of 2019. Now a third-year PhD student in the Department of French and Italian, she is working on a dissertation focused on the roles of women Surrealists in the French Resistance. Her work in the International Dada Archive in Special Collections and Archives aligns well with her area of study.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: After graduating, I hope to become a professor of French and working at the Libraries has equipped me with essential skills for that profession. To name two skills, firstly, my research skills have refined since working in Special Collections. I am much more efficient at locating sources because I know how to navigate the various databases and their features for narrowing a search. I am also very comfortable conducting archival research, which has allowed me to pursue a more innovative dissertation topic than I could have imagined. Secondly, I have developed a keen eye for detail that helps me take careful research notes. When I write, I then easily cite my sources and cite them accurately.
Q: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?
A: What has surprised me most is the networking opportunities that have come up. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the support I get to provide for the Dada/Surrealism scholarly journal. I check citations, offer translation suggestions (French to English; elementary-level support in German), and provide other assistance to ensure the articles match our style guide. When I go to conferences, I often recognize people because I have either read their articles or because they were guest editors. Our connection to Dada/Surrealism breaks the ice.
Lastly, everyone in Special Collections makes it a warm, welcoming environment. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Tim Shipe, whose expertise and kindness never ceases to amaze me.
Luke Ayers is a Master of Arts student in the School of Library and Information Science. Originally from Iowa City, he is now one of the advanced student employees at the Libraries. This means that his work requires specialized training that can often only be achieved with practical experience outside of the classroom. Luke is refining these skills and eagerly expanding his book repair knowledge by working in Conservation and Collections Care, alongside his studies.
Q: How has your work at the Libraries helped you develop important professional skills?
A: Working in Collections Care at the Main Library helped me realize that I wanted to go into libraries as a career, and I really enjoy working in conservation. This has been crucial in narrowing my focus within the Master of Library and Information Science program. The conservation skills I’ve gained through over two years in Collections Care helped me gain an apprenticeship at the Iowa State Historical Society. I’ve also gained skills like navigating the catalog system and managing workflows, as well as honing my interpersonal skills.
Q: Has there been anything that surprised you about working in a library?
A: Two things surprised (and continue to surprise) me about the Libraries: folks who work in libraries come from all kinds of backgrounds, and yet, they are consistently some of the kindest, most enthusiastic people I’ve ever met.
Juliann Pawlowski studies biomedical engineering and works at the front desk of the Sciences Library. Originally from Plainfield, Illinois, she was drawn to the University of Iowa by its welcoming environment. Juliann quickly became involved in campus life when she arrived, joining the American Cancer Society as well as the Society of Women in Engineering student groups.
Juliann’s work at the Sciences Library has been a key part of her college lifestyle, providing a place to meet mentors and friends and develop professional skills. She says the customer service and professional collaboration skills she has learned at this job will directly influence her career after graduation. Pamela Kacena, a library assistant who supervises Juliann, is already impressed by her dedication and growth.
“Juliann has been a wonderful asset to the Sciences Library,” says Pamela. “She is hardworking, friendly, helpful and kind to our patrons and to her fellow coworkers. She loves to work with me on setting up exhibits. She is a joy to work with and we love having her.”
Get to know Juliann in her owns words through the Q&A below.
Q: Working at the Libraries, what did you learn or find most surprising? A: Something I found most surprising is how much freedom there is to incorporate my creativity. At the Sciences Library, we work on display cases and I have been able to work on multiple of them with my boss. It has been one of my favorite tasks here and I didn’t even start this job thinking I would be able to do something like that.
Juliann works a shift at the front desk of the Sciences Library.
Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Libraries? A: The people! Being at the Libraries since my first year on campus, I have been able to meet so many students. It has been really nice to meet people who are outside my major and get to know them.
Q: What has been your favorite class at Iowa so far? A: My favorite class has to be either electrical circuits or statics. I think they both taught me a new way of problem solving that I have been able to incorporate into my advance leveled classes.
Q: What might colleagues or students find surprising about you? A: I may not seem like one, but I am a picky eater!
Q: Outside of work or school, what activities do you enjoy? A: I really like to travel and visit different parts of the world. I also enjoy going on walks with my two dogs back home—Hazel and Stella.
Student library employees are a crucial part of what makes the University of Iowa Libraries such a valuable, accessible resource for the community on campus and beyond. Student employees work and grow alongside Libraries staff, directing users to needed resources, caring for materials, and contributing their ideas to guide the Libraries into tomorrow.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, 15 undergraduate student employees have been awarded scholarships in recognition of their work. We are proud to celebrate and learn from them as they share how their time in the Libraries has influenced their interests, well-being, and future plans. Be sure to congratulate the following students when you see them at the Libraries!
Judy and Mike Greer Scholarship in memory of Mary E. Greer
Brianna Bowers is double majoring in computer science and English and creative writing. Originally from Cypress, Texas, Brianna was drawn to the University of Iowa because it is the Writing University. Through her job at the Libraries, she has also learned many other skills.
“Working in Special Collections and Archives has improved my skills in time management, especially for long-term independent projects. My ability to read French has also gone from nil to not bad.”
Kaleb Schlatter from Runnells, Iowa, studies history and Arabic. He believed the UI Department of History would provide a space to read, research, and think historically and transnationally. Working in Circulation and User Services at the Libraries has also expanded his worldview.
“Working at the Libraries has provided opportunities to practice connecting people with resources and communicating across differences. The communication skills I’ve practiced while working at the Libraries are transferable in every workplace situation—namely, careful listening and clear verbal communication. Working at the Libraries also requires regular engagement with large systems for sorting information, which has helped to refine my research skills.”
Benton Family Music Library Student Employee Scholarship
Maya St. Clair from Ankeny, Iowa, is studying music therapy with organ as her primary instrument. Her goal is to become a board–certified music therapist, helping others every day. Her work at the Rita Benton Music Library continues to develop her organizational and interpersonal skills. Maya says these skills are preparing her for her career and she continues to be impressed by the resources available at the Libraries.
“I am always just so surprised about how many resources the library has! Even though I have been working here for almost two years now, I am still learning about the many features of the library. It is amazing how many materials we have, and how much knowledge our amazing librarians have. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work at the Rita Benton Music Library and learned so much from the people around me.”
Bentz Family Student Employee Scholarship
Sadie Crandall is a student from Marion, Iowa, who is studying anthropology, archeology, museum studies, and ancient civilizations. Her work in Special Collections and Archives is preparing her for a career in museums, libraries, or archaeology. She says she’s developing not just important skills in research, cataloguing, and collections care, but a life purpose and personal passion.
“I feel that our field of service is frequently taken for granted, as is the access to the services that they provide. Before working here, I had never thought deeply about the privilege it is to access information within my community and at my fingertips. Now, the thrill of retrieving the exact information that a patron from the community is seeking is always incredibly gratifying, and I am fueled in knowing that I made a difference by providing access and service. I see my role as serving not the library or myself but the community and even the world. Community well–being has very quickly become my focus and a goal I intend my career to support. The work that I am doing is also important for posterity, and so it is important that I work with all possible attention and passion to benefit the future generations of researchers and readers.”
Adam Holmes has deep roots here, growing up in Iowa City, and now joins other members of his family as a Hawkeye. He will graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering next spring, with a focus area in design and a minor in math.
“Working at the UI Libraries has improved my time management skills. The front desk often requires juggling multiple tasks at once—such as checking out materials, helping patrons, and assisting with tour groups—teaching me to prioritize and manage my time efficiently. At first, it could be overwhelming, and I often needed to ask for help and support from my coworkers. Now, I feel much more organized, independent, and confident during busy times, staying calm and focused on helping others. I’m certain that time management will be important in my engineering career, enabling me to handle complex projects, meet tight deadlines, and remain calm and productive in stressful situations.”
Gracie Pruitt came from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Iowa City because of Iowa’s renowned health sciences program. Now, she is a microbiology major on the pre-med track with a minor in environmental science.
“Because of my position at the Libraries, my time management skills have improved. I also believe that my organization is better because I am tasked with things such as shelf-reading, which is organizing books based on the correct cataloging system. I believe my interpersonal skills are stronger. I am increasing my confidence to help patrons with every shift. I want to be a doctor, and doctors need incredibly strong time management and organization skills. Doctors also must have good interpersonal skills, to stay calm when families of patients cannot be calm themselves.”
Sophia Yuhas is from Victoria, Minnesota, and earning a management degree with an art minor. Working at the Art Library has given her practical experience for her leadership and management studies. She has been involved in training new hires and helping them learn standard operating procedures at the library. She has also enjoyed learning to teach and practicing for a future career in management, while also expanding her knowledge of art history.
“I am constantly surprised by the sheer volume of books we have at the Art Library alone! I am an artist and have always been interested in art history, but getting to talk to patrons about the books they check out has taught me so much about many unique topics I never would have thought to explore on my own. Working at the Art Library makes me excited to learn about as much art history as I can and encourage others to utilize the endless resources we have at the Libraries.”
UI Libraries Student Employee Scholarship
Melissa Calderon, from La Grange Park, Illinois, is studying enterprise leadership with minors in media management and Spanish. Working at the Libraries has enhanced her communication skills through daily interactions with other students. She says it has helped her become more open and effective in connecting with others.
“Since working at the Libraries, I’ve been surprised by how many new people I’ve met! Whether it’s coworkers I might not have crossed paths with or the students who visit the desk, it’s always nice to see a friendly face around.”
Olivia Comer is majoring in journalism and mass communications and communication studies. Originally from Indianola, Iowa, Oliva has volunteered or worked at four Iowa libraries in the last five years. She has learned new things at each place, but her experience at the UI Libraries is unique.
“My work at the Main Library has helped me grow my customer service skills, especially through working in an environment that is deeply connected to the campus and the greater Iowa City community. Because of the Main Library’s large population of student patrons, I’ve learned more about how to help younger and less library-proficient people become more confident using library services. It’s nice to be the face that answers their questions for the first time and introduces them to the many services and materials we have that can make their lives easier.”
Jordyn Johnson grew up a Hawkeye fan in Davenport, Iowa. Now, she is a third–year student at the Tippie College of Business studying entrepreneurial management. Working at the Marvin A. Pomerantz Business Library in the BizHub has strengthened necessary skills for her future career, even outside of the classroom.
“Working at the BizHub has helped me with my focus and problem-solving skills because it’s often loud and full of my classmates and friends. I have learned how to shut out all the noise and distractions when I need to get work done. My problem-solving skills have developed because every shift I get asked a question that is out of the ordinary. Half the time students are a bit frantic when asking the question because they are in a time crunch. Being able to admit you don’t know and find the answer while maintaining composure so that the student feels like they have come to the right place is important. Maintaining composure while problem solving in a time crunch can be applied to most careers.”
Ana Koch grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, and feels lucky to be in a nationally renowned nursing program that also allows her to remain local. She has always had a love for science and has enjoyed interacting with others through volunteering in her community. She looks forward to giving back to her community through nursing by helping people during some of their toughest moments. Until then, she is a busy student and continues to refine her communication abilities by working at the Libraries.
“When I first started working at the Business Library, I was surprised by how lively and crowded the space could become. The space is incredibly interactive and inviting and every day is different! Working here over the past four years has helped me so much with my interpersonal communication skills. When I am at the desk, I am constantly interacting with students and using critical thinking skills to help solve varying problems.”
Alyssa Lemay is majoring in statistics on the statistical computing/data science track with minors in mathematics and computer science. She is from Sussex, Wisconsin, and chose to attend the University of Iowa because she fell in love with the feel of the campus and Iowa City as a whole.
“The people at the University of Iowa and in the community truly care about each other and you can feel this when you come to the university. The amount of people and resources that are at the library to help students and community members is the most shocking thing that I’ve learned at the library. Working with the many research librarians and library staff makes it extremely evident that they care about helping people and connecting them with the many resources the university has to offer.”
Juliann Pawlowski is from Plainfield, Illinois, and was attracted to the University of Iowa because of the welcoming environment for first generation students. She is studying biomedical engineering and sees her role at the Sciences Library preparing her for a career in manufacturing.
“Since I work at the front desk I have learned a lot about communication in a professional environment. Being able to talk to peers, graduate students, and professors has helped me for my future career in engineering since I plan to work in the manufacturing environment!”
Ava Stork came to the University of Iowa from Ankeny, Iowa, because of the welcoming and intellectual atmosphere. Ava was looking for a place where she could grow personally and form meaningful relationships with peers and professors. Now, she is studying environmental policy and planning with a minor in urban studies and a certificate in sustainability. Her work at the Libraries has contributed to developing those meaningful connections, as she interacts with patrons during every shift. In addition to refining her communication skills, Ava has enjoyed and grown from tasks challenging her teamwork and creativity.
“I also feel that I have embraced more skills in creativity throughout my time at the Libraries. Utilizing all of the tools in the library to plan and host various events to engage students has allowed me to employ my own unique ideas, as well as work together with others to create successful exhibits. Teamwork, communication, and creativity are all valuable skills that can be taken into any future job.”
Ken Sullivan is from Iowa City, Iowa. She is grateful for the support and opportunities she has received at the University of Iowa through her unconventional journey through college. She is majoring in interdepartmental studies: health sciences with a global health emphasis with a history minor and medieval studies certificate. Ken’s work at the Libraries is part of that experience, enabling her to grow into a more professional version of herself and providing a network of support.
“What surprised me was how much of a community the Libraries are. My supervisors always want to know how I’m doing, repeat patrons remember me, and my peers who work with me are always a delight to work with. We all help each other out which is different than some of my past jobs since I was not afforded such a supportive and welcoming environment by the people around me. I want to extend a thank you to the Libraries for making my time in college more rewarding.”
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.
Chris Childs’ journey in librarianship began when he was seeking a meaningful career. Looking for something beyond “just a job,” Chris’s first step into the world of libraries was as a volunteer. Eventually, he landed at Hardin Library for Health Sciences where he now works as a clinical education librarian. He started out as a liaison to the College of Public Health during his first 10 years at Hardin Library. For the past six years, he has worked as liaison to the College of Pharmacy and College of Dentistry.
Chris works with students, faculty, and staff in one-on-one consultations. Depending on their needs, he trains them to use important resources such as PubMed or EndNote, databases which organize citations and create bibliographies. He also provides support by identifying relevant subject terms or articles for their research projects, and occasionally is a mentor to those who are interested in publishing systematic reviews.
In addition to his career as a librarian, Chris also finds personal fulfillment in traveling and it is obvious as soon as you step inside his office. The space is decorated with posters and artwork from destinations he has traveled on his yearly hiking trips. Hear about his travel goals and how a friend inspired his career in Chris’s own words below.
Q: What inspired you to become a librarian? A: When I was living in Richmond, Virginia, I met a good friend of mine who was working at the State Library of Virginia. At the time, I was working for a medical billing company, which was just a job for me. I wanted a career and soon realized that I wanted to do what my friend did. I volunteered at the Richmond Public Library for a couple of months and after that, left Virginia to get a Master in Library Information Science at the University of North Texas.
Q: In your opinion, is there an underutilized but valuable resource at the Libraries? A: Interlibrary loan. Every time I’m introducing the Hardin Library’s services and resources to a class, I always spend a couple of minutes on this. This is such a fantastic resource and I think it’s a shame that not everyone affiliated with the University of Iowa knows about it.
Chris showcases a poster from his recent trip to Devil’s Tower National Monument in his office, along with other travel mementos.
Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of work? A: One of my favorite enjoyments in life is to travel. I take an annual hiking trip every year. My goal is to visit all the national parks or at least all of them in the continental United States. So far, I’ve visited 43 national parks out of 63. It’s difficult to pinpoint a favorite trip as I’ve enjoyed them all. So, I’ll mention my most recent one where one of my stops was at Devil’s Tower National Monument, which I’ve wanted to see since I watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” as a kid. It did not disappoint, and I was in awe of it the entire time I was there. My recommendation for anyone traveling to a national park would be to book your lodging in advance, whether you plan to tent camp, stay in a cabin, or a hotel if the park has one. Depending on the park, you might have to do this six months in advance or more.
Q: Do you have a book recommendation? A: I’m currently reading The Angels Game, which is the second book in the Cemetery of Forgotten Book series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The first book, Shadow of the Wind, is a book about a book set in gothic Barcelona in the 1940s. It was one of the best books I’d read in a long time.
