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.
As director of the Art Library, Patricia Gimenez shapes both the Art Library space and collection into a vital resource for University of Iowa students in the School of Art, Art History, and Design (SAAHD). She keeps the collection relevant and unique by adding new material inspired by art trends, student work, and course syllabi. She also curates displays to draw students’ attention to new or overlooked resources. You might find Patricia working with students learning how to navigate the call number system and access the movable stacks, or visiting classes to discuss the purpose of peer-review.
Patricia has worked at the Libraries for four years and, before that, she was an instruction librarian at the Savannah College of Art and Design for nearly a decade. She earned a master’s degree in both library information science and art history. Get to know more about her and the Art Library in the questions and answers below.
Q: What led you to a career as a librarian?
A: After my undergraduate experience, I spent a few years with an academic publisher as an editorial assistant. I realized that I didn’t have the attention to detail for editing, but truly enjoyed learning about the research our authors were working on. Leaving publishing for library science was a great move.
Q: What advice would you have for those just embarking on their own careers?
A: Stay curious. The way to find joy in work and life is to continue to learn new things and continue to explore all paths and possibilities.
Q: When is your job most rewarding?
A: Every day, I get to learn new things. My favorite part of my job is having one-on-one research consultations with students and faculty. I love to hear what people are researching, and I get to learn too as I help navigate through the available resources.
Q: What is an underutilized resource at the Libraries?
A: My favorite items in the Art Library are the Visionaire World publications. Visionaire is a publisher that works with artists and designers to create truly unique objects that reimagine what a “book” can be.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Like most librarians, I am a true nerd and an avid reader. I belong to two separate book clubs, and every year I follow along very closely with the Tournament of Books, which is an annual bracket for literary fiction.
Q: What is a piece of media you recommend?
A: I am really enjoying the podcast “Sixteenth Minute of Fame.” Each episode takes a look at an internet “main character” or rather, when and why someone went viral and what that says about society.
Visit the Art Library’s website to discover resources, browse new acquisitions, or contact your librarian for support.