Years before becoming a member of the University of Iowa Libraries Advancement Council (LAC), Linda “Lin” Bousfield was a student employee in what was then the Periodicals Department. The opportunity made an indelible impact on her life and career.
“Were it not for that job, I could not have afforded a college education,” she says. “It was during my three years at the Main Library that I also learned what a critical role the UI Libraries play in preserving and disseminating our collective thoughts, ideas, knowledge, and history. It is the gateway for student inquiry and the spark for researchers leading to the inspirations of the future.”
After sharing her story, Culshaw invited Phillips and her husband, Skip, to return for a tour and update on the Libraries’ evolution since her student days 50 years ago.
“Needless to say, I was impressed,” says the Norwalk, Iowa, resident.
The renewed connection eventually led to involvement with the LAC, and when Culshaw invited Phillips to serve she says, “it just seemed like the right thing to do.”
Phillips recently completed a one-year term as chair and has been a member of the group since 2023. The LAC actively champions the Libraries and provides guidance and feedback to assist the UI Center for Advancement’s (UICA) effort to increase support through fundraising, advocacy, and engagement.
Now, perhaps her most meaningful advocacy comes through the new endowed Bousfield Family Libraries Student Employee Scholarship. Starting in fall 2026, it will be awarded annually to a deserving student employed in the Main Library, with a preference for those enrolled in the College of Education.
“In a sense it is a small repayment for a huge debt of gratitude,” Phillips says. “Supporting the Libraries also means helping ensure that the opportunities I received as a student remain available to the next generation.”
More than anything, Phillips says her experience on the LAC has strengthened her connection to the Libraries, and she’s honored to give back to the place that has meant so much to her.
“Serving as a member and as chair of the LAC has been a privilege and an honor,” says Phillips. “I am grateful to the Libraries and the university for this opportunity.”
In her honor, the Libraries added a cookbook to the Szathmary Culinary Cookbook Collection and a book artists’ compass to the Map Collection in Special Collections and Archives.
The 1882 edition of Swedish-American Book of Cookery and Advisor for Swedish Servants in America is printed in both Swedish and English. “This gift has very special meaning to me as it honors my Swedish heritage and my enjoyment of baking cookies, pies, and fruited breads, and sharing them with friends,” says Phillips.
Finding My Way by Carole Kundstadt is one-of-a-kind, setting a world map from 1875 in a small compact mirror, anchored by sewn threads and crystals. “This was a particularly poignant gift as my professional role was one of career counselor to adults who were trying to find their way,” she adds.
The special items were purchased in honor of Phillips’ service with support from the University Libraries Excellence Fund.
Amy Sullivan from Denver, Colorado, is now serving as chair and Virginia Eichacker from Las Vegas, Nevada, is serving as vice chair.
The LAC’s next meeting is scheduled for October 2026.