University Librarian – Library News

Nov 26 2019

Mahanna wins Library Research Award

Posted on November 26, 2019December 13, 2019 by The University of Iowa Libraries

Allexis Mahanna, a UI senior majoring in global health studies, won the inaugural Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA) offered by the University of Iowa Libraries. Mahanna was selected from a competitive pool of undergraduate researchers who applied for the award and presented their work at the University of Iowa’s Fall Undergraduate Research Festival held November 13, 2019.

Mahanna’s research focuses on the differences in migration policies between the autonomous community of Catalonia and the local municipality of Barcelona, Spain. She evaluated the local migration policies of Barcelona through a case study framework analyzing country-wide policies and community perceptions of migrants.

Her research integrated library resources—including databases such as Web of Science, SAGE research methods, and services in SEAM—with specialized instruction on coding methods from SEAM Graduate Student Megan Dial-Lapcewich. Mahanna also met with librarians Brett Cloyd and Cathy Cranston and sought poster design assistance from Nikki White in the Libraries’ Digital Scholarship & Publishing Studio in preparation for presenting at the Fall Undergraduate Research Festival.

The Undergraduate Library Research Award was established this year by Jenay Solomon, librarian in the UI Libraries’ Undergraduate Engagement Department, who collaborated with Bob Kirby and Melinda Licht of the Iowa Center for Undergraduate Research (ICRU) to integrate the new award into the Fall Undergraduate Research Festival.

The award carries a $500 prize, which is funded by the Friends of the University of Iowa Libraries. The Libraries will offer the award again at the UI’s Spring Undergraduate Research Festival. The award is open to any undergraduate student in any year or discipline who demonstrates creative or innovative research skills in the selection, integration, and synthesis of resources, services, and materials from the UI Libraries.

Special thanks to UI librarians who served on the Fall 2019 ULRA review committee: Conrad Bendixen (from the Sciences Library and Main Library Liaison Services in Humanities and Social Sciences) and Kelly Hangauer (from Main Library Liaison Services in Humanities and Social Sciences), Heather Healy (from the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences), and Laurie Neuerburg (from the Sciences Library). Committee members helped create an assessment rubric for evaluating applicants and assisted in selecting this semester’s winner.

Nov 05 2019

Culshaw elected ARL vice president/president-elect

Posted on November 5, 2019November 12, 2019 by The University of Iowa Libraries

John Culshaw, the Jack B. King University Librarian at the University of Iowa, has been elected to serve as incoming vice president/president-elect for the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Culshaw will become ARL president on October 7, 2020.
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 124 research libraries in Canada and the US whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise, promotes equity and diversity, and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information.

“John’s leadership, both on campus and with national organizations, emphasizes collaborative efforts, empowering our librarians and scholars to work together to find and share research in ways that build pathways to new knowledge,” says Montserrat Fuentes, UI executive vice president and provost.

Culshaw has served as the university librarian at Iowa since 2013, leading the UI Libraries in providing information services, collections, and spaces to the university community and beyond. In addition to his campus duties, he has served in leadership roles with the HathiTrust Digital Library and Association of College and Research Libraries. Culshaw has played an active role with the Big Ten Academic Alliance Library Initiatives, which recently announced the BIG Collection, an effort to create collaborative processes for building a networked collective collection to benefit Big Ten scholars.

During his tenure at Iowa, Culshaw has overseen several new building projects including the Rita Benton Music Library, a climate controlled, high-density materials storage facility, and a state-of-the-art exhibition gallery. He established a scholarship program for library student employees which to date has awarded more than $53,000 to undergraduate and graduate students.

With his direction and support, UI Libraries staff garnered a grant to become the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Greater Midwest Regional Office; strengthened partnerships with the UI’s Center for the Book and the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature; merged the Studio, a collaborative incubator for digital scholarship and publishing, into Libraries operations; and brought important new research collections to Iowa including the Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry. In 2018, Culshaw was invested as the first Jack B. King University Librarian Chair.

Culshaw received a BA in history from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and holds an MS in information studies from Drexel University. He received UW-Parkside’s Traditions of Excellence Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015. Prior to Iowa, he held positions at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Apr 18 2018

Libraries announce new endowed chair

Posted on April 18, 2018May 1, 2018 by The University of Iowa Libraries

The University of Iowa Libraries has announced the establishment of the Jack B. King University Librarian Chair. Sue Curry, University of Iowa Interim Executive Vice President and Provost, appointed current university librarian John P. Culshaw as the first to hold the endowed chair at an investiture ceremony April 19, 2018 in the Old Capitol Senate Chamber.

“The Libraries are at the heart of the university’s academic mission. We are very grateful that the King family understood that and chose to support the Libraries, the university, and our students in this important way,” says Curry. “I am delighted to appoint John Culshaw to this new endowed position, in recognition of his extraordinary leadership of the Libraries and his vision for their future.”

The Jack B. King University Librarian Chair was established and endowed in 2017 through gifts from two generations of the King family, who were long-time advocates of libraries. Jack B. and Geraldine (Jerry) King combined their estate gift with funds from the Iva B. King trust, established by Jack’s parents, Fred (1928 B.A.) and Iva King. The UI Libraries supplemented the King family gift with funds from the Friends of the UI Libraries to establish the endowed chair.

The endowment will fund critical needs and strategic opportunities within the UI Libraries.

“I am humbled to serve the University of Iowa Libraries as it establishes its first named chair in honor of Jack and Jerry, especially in light of their lifelong commitment to encouraging careers in academic librarianship,” says Culshaw. “This endowment will enhance the UI Libraries’ continuing efforts to support research and to teach students to think critically about information sources.”

Culshaw has served as the university librarian since 2013. In addition to his campus duties, he is a member and chair of the Board of Governors of the HathiTrust Digital Library and member of the Executive Committee of the Rosemont Shared Print Alliance. Culshaw was elected in 2017 to the Association of Research Libraries Board of Directors and in 2018 will complete a term as a director-at-large on the Board of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

The University of Iowa Libraries provides one-on-one and classroom support for students, collaborative instruction with faculty, research support for scholars at all levels, digital and material collection management, scholarly publishing support, and assistance with data management. The Libraries’ archives and special collections hold, preserve, and make available primary source materials that enable scholars to create new knowledge.

For more information about the University of Iowa Libraries, visit www.lib.uiowa.edu.

Oct 01 2014

Footprints of Our International Students: Why Should We Care?

Posted on October 1, 2014December 2, 2016 by The University of Iowa Libraries

University Libraries welcomes Dr. Camile Alire, past president of America Library Association for Ada Stoflet lecture

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., Old Capitol Senate Chamber

Who are our international students? What are some of the challenges they face studying in the U.S.? How can we best serve them? Dr. Camila Alire responds to these questions; shares other thoughts about/experiences with international students; the footprints they leave; and why we should care.

The University of Iowa Libraries has invited Dr. Camila Alire to give the Ada Stoflet lecture on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in the Old Capitol Senate Chamber. A reception in the rotunda immediately follows the presentation.

Dr. Camila Alire is the past-president of the American Library Association and Dean Emerita at the University of New Mexico and Colorado State University. Camila received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and an MLS from the University of Denver.

The Ada M. Stoflet Lectureship is established in memory of Ada M. Stoflet, an exceptionally skilled and dedicated member of the University of Iowa Libraries staff for three decades. The lecture is presented on a topic of interest in the field of librarianship.

Dr. Alire maintains an outstanding record of professional service. She is also past-president the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL 2006), and as REFORMA past-president (1994). Alire served on the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) board and chaired several committees. She speaks and consults internationally on leadership development, academic library trends, strategic planning as well as on the other topics.

Dr. Alire was honored with the following recognitions: the ALA/Lippincott Award for Distinguished Service; the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Presidential Recognition Award, and the ALA Achievement in Library Diversity Research Award. She was awarded the first ALA Elizabeth Futas’ Catalyst for Change award and National REFORMA’s Librarian of the Year award. One year, she was named by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the country. Alire was recently appointed by U.S. President Barrack Obama to serve on the National Council on the Humanities.

Sep 02 2014

Nominate your favorite librarian for Benton Award

Posted on September 2, 2014December 2, 2016 by The University of Iowa Libraries

The University Libraries is seeking nominations for the Arthur Benton University Librarian’s Award for Excellence. Funded by a generous endowment, this prestigious award acknowledges a library staff member’s professional contributions in the practice of librarianship, service to the profession, scholarship, or leadership which has had a significant impact or innovation to the operations of the Libraries or the University of Iowa. The library staff member will receive $1,500 to be used for professional development activities.

Criteria for the award and the nomination form are available at: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/admin/bentonaward/

Nominations are due by Friday, September 26. Please forward this message to faculty and graduate assistants in your department and encourage them to submit nominations. Thank you for your assistance.

*The University Libraries includes the Main Library, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and the Art, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Music libraries. (Professional staff in the Law Library and other campus departmental library staff are not eligible.)

Aug 27 2014

University of Iowa Libraries names Carmelita Pickett Associate University Librarian

Posted on August 27, 2014December 2, 2016 by The University of Iowa Libraries

Carmelita Pickett, collection development officer at Texas A&M University Libraries, has been named associate university librarian for the University of Iowa, effective October 13.

Pickett joined the university libraries at TAMU in 2003 as an Africana studies librarian. In 2009, she became the director of collection development operations and acquisitions services, where she provides leadership to the collection management team with a budget of over $15 million. Responsible for all aspects of the libraries’ collection development strategy, she was instrumental for developing a value statement that is used as an advocacy tool when negotiating with publishers.

Her national service includes elected positions in the Association of College and Research Libraries African American Studies Librarians Section and the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services as well as her appointment to the ACRL Dr. E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Committee and as an ALA Spectrum Scholarship Juror.

“The University of Iowa Libraries is a great library and I’m humbled to be a part of such a dynamic group of professionals,” said Pickett. “It’s an exciting time for research libraries as we position ourselves to better understand and engage the people we serve. The focus of 21st century collections, spaces and services should be to meet the needs and wants of users rather than maintaining old systems and structures that inhibit the academic enterprise in its core mission: research, teaching, and learning.”

“Building a research library for the 21^st century requires an innovative approach to building a highly relevant and useful collection that both students and scholars need,” said John Culshaw, University Librarian. “Carmelita has spearheaded projects that have balanced research demands as well as budget priorities. We are excited to have her as part of the Libraries’ senior leadership team as we move forward.”

Pickett will succeed Edward Shreeves who had served as associate university librarian for nearly 25 years until his retirement in 2012. Michael Wright has served as interim associate university librarian since Shreeves’ retirement.

As associate university librarian, Pickett will be an integral part of the Libraries’ administrative team and provide leadership to a group of subject specialist librarians who represent every discipline at the University of Iowa.

Sep 20 2012

UI Librarian, Jennifer DeBerg, Receives Arthur Benton Award

Posted on September 20, 2012 by The University of Iowa Libraries

Jennifer DeBerg is recipient of the Arthur Benton Excellence in Reference Services Professional Development Award. This award is given biennially to a University Libraries’ professional staff member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment in providing reference service for the university community. The honor includes a $1,000 stipend to be used for professional development activities related to the advancement of reference services.

The University Libraries will have a special celebration to honor Jen. Please join us.

Wednesday, September 26 at 3:00 p.m.
Room 401 of the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences

Jen was nominated by Patricia Clinton, Clinical Professor and Assistant Dean in the College of Nursing, who notes that she is “eager to work with nurses and took the lead in a recent publication that will assist practicing nurses search for best practices. This is critical if nurses are contributing to better health outcomes for patients. Indeed the confidence one gains from standing solidly on the evidence cannot be stressed enough.”

Students value her “willingness to communicate and make herself available to the needs of students [which] far exceeded my expectations.” Andy Whitters, College of Nursing student also commented that she helped him “build many meaningful and statistically valid resources for many assignments. Her knowledge of infomatics, data retrieval and library science are outstanding.”

Jen also has worked extensively with Clinical Associate Professor Tess Judge-Ellis. “Jen’s involvement goes above and beyond. Her assistance and commitment to [our] objectives has made the experience really memorable for the students.”

Clinton also noted that “library orientations have been known to be dry and perhaps a little boring? Not Jen’s orientation! She makes the library warm and welcoming and just the place to find the answers you are looking for. Each request for help receives the same high standard of service. This is clearly her passion and not just a job.”

Jen joins Dottie Persson, John Forys, Kathy Magarrell, Kären Mason, Dave Martin and John Schacht as recipients of this award.

Jul 01 2012

Learning Commons @ your library

Posted on July 1, 2012December 2, 2016 by The University of Iowa Libraries

In the fall of 2013, University of Iowa students will discover a tech-infused, 24-hour, comfy study space and one-stop academic help center…with good coffee.

Designed with significant student input, the new Learning Commons will provide an “intellectual hub” with room for 500-plus students. The 37,000-square-foot facility in the Main Library is the product of a unique partnership among Information Technology Services (ITS), University Libraries, and the Office of the Provost.

“The Learning Commons is focused, first and foremost, on furthering the academic success of students,” says Nancy Baker, university librarian. “The staff will provide students with a ‘concierge’ experience. They’ll answer common academic, library, and technology questions and point students to the resources they need to succeed, like help with their research, writing, or tutoring.”

VIDEO: Learning Commons Walkthrough

“Our design team spent a lot of time watching how students study, and particularly noticed how much they leveraged technology in their daily work habits,” says Chris Clark, ITS learning spaces director. “This space, with its multimedia resources, collaboration technologies, and wall-to-wall wireless, reflects the way today’s students integrate technology into their lives.”

Features of the project include 18 group study spaces, 100 desktop and laptop computers, a 45-seat TILE (Transform, Interact, Learn, Engage) classroom with glass walls and sliding doors, printers and scanners, TVs and projectors, and multimedia resources.

The design team also considered students’ stomachs, because students can’t concentrate on their studies when they’re hungry. The Food for Thought café will offer an expanded menu that includes hot panini sandwiches, fruit smoothies, and other snacks, as well as espresso and gourmet coffees.

“We want to create an ambience that welcomes students,” Clark says.

According to Beth Ingram, associate provost for undergraduate education, the most important feature of the space is its flexibility.

“The Learning Commons is many different kinds of study spaces and services rolled into one,” she says. “With technology, information, and expertise combined in one location, it’s a space where students can study with a group or by themselves; where they can have a coffee with friends and then go to a workshop on stress management; where they know they can get answers to questions about information resources, technology, or tutoring services.”

Of course, part of the challenge in creating such a massive space for students is minimizing the impact the construction process will have on daily student life. Hope Barton, associate university librarian, says the impact on current study spaces will be minimal, since the area being remodeled was office space.

“This will really be a fantastic resource for University of Iowa students,” Ingram says. “We’re excited to see the project come to completion so students can start making the most of the new space.”

Jun 28 2012

Furniture is Here!

Posted on June 28, 2012 by The University of Iowa Libraries

Many of Main Library staff on the first floor will be moving to renovated space on the fifth to make room for Learning Commons. The fifth floor space has been under construction since early spring and today the furniture is being moved in.

The movers will be using the southeast elevator (D) to transport the furniture upstairs. Please use the other elevators or stairs in the building. Thanks.

Apr 05 2012

Jennifer DeBerg wins Arthur Benton Excellence in Reference Services Professional Development Award

Posted on April 5, 2012 by The University of Iowa Libraries

Jennifer DeBerg, Clinical Education Librarian at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, was awarded the Arthur Benton Excellence in Reference Services Professional Development Award for 2012. Jennifer received kudos from nursing students, research colleagues, faculty and staff in her nomination letter

The award is given biennially to a University Libraries professional staff member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment in providing reference services for the University community. The $1,000 award, made possible by a generous endowment from Dr. Arthur Benton, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, will support a professional development activity related to the advancement of library reference services.

Jennifer is a librarian liaison to Communication Sciences & Disorders, Family Medicine, College of Nursing, Nursing Services and Patient Care, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, and Rehab Therapies & Rehab Counseling.