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.
What do Peter Rabbit and student success have in common? They are both reasons that Lindsay Moen loves her work in Special Collections and Archives at the University of Iowa Libraries.
Her journey at the Libraries began as student worker, and now she eagerly passes on the passion for librarianship to her student workers. Lindsay joined the Libraries staff during her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at the UI School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), graduating in 2014. Now, she is the lead public services librarian for Special Collections and Archives. From handling materials to greeting people at the front desk, Lindsay creates a welcoming and engaging environment to interact with the Libraries’ unique collections. Let’s dive into Lindsay’s world through a Q&A and discover how her personal interests, including Beatrix Potter, fuel her passion for librarianship.
Q: When is your job most rewarding?
A: It’s working with our student employees and interns. Being able to mentor and inform students from all walks of life and backgrounds is really rewarding, whether they have specific career goals within librarianship or just want a fun student job to gain workplace experience. I get a sincere sense of fulfillment when our students find their place within the Libraries.
Our student employees not only get frequent, direct experience navigating the Libraries’ wide range of resources to support their own academic endeavors, but they also learn about and gain appreciation for librarianship and the work that goes on behind the scenes.
Q: How did you find your way to the Libraries?
A: I have the University of Iowa’s Museum Studies Certificate program to thank! My undergraduate certificate internship was in Special Collections, which inspired me to pursue a library degree for my master’s education.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Known by many of my colleagues, I collect Beatrix Potter materials, some of which are actually on display this semester at Macbride Hall as part of the My Collections campus collaboration. I also serve as a trustee for the international Beatrix Potter Society, and that has been a great avenue to bring my librarian skills to a group that is not only outside of the Libraries, but the United States as well.
Q: What advice would you give those embarking on their own careers in librarianship?
A: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It is easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day pressures and demands of academia and librarianship, but at the end of the day, just do your best with the resources you have and remember why you pursued librarianship in the first place.
To learn more about Lindsay’s work in Special Collections and Archives, visit their webpage and follow @UISpecColl on Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr.