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.