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.
Visit the Main Library Gallery and the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room to view Bill’s work and learn about the UI Libraries distinctive collections.