The Main Library is currently in the process of renovating the first floor exhibition space. Over the next several months, the air handling, filtration, and lighting systems will be upgraded to museum environmental standards. For the first time we will be able to safely showcase our rare books, documents, photographs, artifacts and other items. This renovation will provide a dynamic and interactive exhibition space that will provide new opportunities for the Libraries to engage with the campus and the community.
EndNote Fully Supported by the Libraries
By pooling central and collegiate resources, and with the support of CCOM, CLAS, and ITS, the University has acquired a campus-wide license for EndNote, a popular and powerful citation management program for organizing, sharing, and formatting citations for publication. There are two versions of EndNote: EndNote Basic (web-based version, available for free to all UI students, faculty, and staff) and EndNote Desktop (client-based version, available for free to UI graduate students, faculty, and staff). The two versions work synchronously so you can access your references from any device with an Internet connection. EndNote is fully supported by the Libraries, and documentation, workshops, and individual assistance is available.
Student Work in the Public Sphere: A Learning Commons Workshop
Time: Friday, February 20th from 1:30-4:30pm
Location: Main Library Learning Commons
Students look at and treat assignments differently when those assignments culminate in the dynamic presentation of their work in a public space. Faculty can use assignments and projects to encourage students to engage with the spaces and people around them
This workshop hosted by the Main Library Learning Commons will provide instructors the opportunity to reimagine how their classes can perform or display student works in the Learning Commons space. Participants will
- tour the Learning Commons facilities.
- learn how faculty and campus partners have used the Learning Commons
- have time to rework a current or previous assignment into something that can be displayed or performed in the Learning Commons.
Guest instructors will share their insights and experiences in using the Learning Commons to promote their student’s work. Participants will leave with a variety of project ideas for classroom use and will be well on their way towards reimagining a current or old assignment to be hosted in the Learning Commons. The institute is open to all faculty and instructors. There is no cost to attend, although pre-registration to the institute is required. Please register here.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the University of Iowa Main Library
Have you been searching for a good book to spend Valentine’s Day with? Want to use your card game skills to attract a mate? Looking for a rare book to discuss over dinner with that special someone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should stop by the UI Main Library this week to check out some of our Valentine’s Day events!
Play with Hearts
Tuesday, February 10th
12:00pm-2:00pm
Come to Group Area D (across from Food for Thought Café) to learn how to play the game, Hearts. You can also enjoy some vintage baked goods made from recipes from special collections’ historic recipe collection. There will even be recipes available for you to plan your own Valentine’s meal!
Blind Date with a Book
Wednesday, February 11th
12:00pm-2:00pm
Stop by Group Area D to check out a book. But this time, there will be no judging by the cover.
We’ll set you up with a blind date that you get to take home with you for some Valentine’s reading. A Spinster’s Tale or Love in the Time of Cholera: Which one will you take home tonight?
We’ll set you up with a blind date that you get to take home with you for some Valentine’s reading. A Spinster’s Tale or Love in the Time of Cholera: Which one will you take home tonight?
Love in the Stacks
Thursday, February 12th
12:00pm-4:00pm
Drop into Group Area D and we’ll help you out with some Valentine’s gifts! View items from the University of Iowa Special Collections and University Archives while you make buttons from prints of our more romantic books, or send an e-card to your loved ones.
You never know where love will find you, but you do know where to find us. We’ll see you in Group Area D!
Main Library North Entrance Without ADA Access through September 2015
ADA access via the North entrance of the Main Library will not be available during construction of the new Main Library Exhibit Space next to Shambaugh Auditorium. Regular access will be available through one of the North entrance doors. Patrons needing ADA access are directed to use the East and South doors. This restriction will remain in place throughout construction, projected to be completed by August/September, 2015.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Library Exhibit Space Renovation to Begin Monday, December 22
Construction on the Main Library Exhibit Space – Room 1001 next to Shambaugh Auditorium – begins on Monday, December 22nd. Workers will be installing barriers and pathways inside and outside the north entrance, with demolition also scheduled to begin next week and continue over winter break.
At this point in time, at least one north door will remain available for entry and exit, although this may be closed off at any time depending on construction. Outside the north entrance, crews will be fencing off a perimeter that will include part of the pedway and encompassing the bike rack area. The bike racks may be relocated, but no decision has been made at this time. The construction perimeter will be used to locate a crane (for roof work), a dumpster, and a trailer for management, staging, and materials.
Primary demolition work is scheduled to occur during winter break with construction continuing through August 2015. We will keep you informed as the project moves forward.
Thank you for your patience!
Ghosts in the Stacks (and free popcorn)!
Looking for a spooky way to start off your Halloween weekend? Craving some free, freshly popped popcorn? Stop by the Main Library Learning Commons for a look at some of the scariest items housed in the Special Collections and University Archives department.
With items ranging from truly disturbing illustrations, to stories of local hauntings, there’s something to startle everyone. Special Collections and University Archives will have a selection of items available for browsing to help you get your Halloween weekend off to a historic start.
Thursday, October 30, 12pm-4pm
Main Library Learning Commons, Group Area D (across from Food for Thought)
For a preview of some of our spooky items, check out our tumblr page!
Footprints of Our International Students: Why Should We Care?
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.
Collect all seven prize buttons during our Library Crawl!
The University Libraries’ will be holding a Library Crawl from September 22nd through October 6th.
Visit any library locations on campus during the crawl to receive a collectable prize button and participate in a library challenge. Buttons are available at these locations: Art Library, Pomerantz Business Library, Lichtenberger Engineering Library, Music Library, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, Main Library & Learning Commons, and the Sciences Library. Collect all seven and prove yourself a bibliomaniac!
Celebrate Constitution Day with your own pocket copy
September 17, 2014 marks the 227th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. In honor of this occasion, at 12:20pm in front of the Old Capitol, U.S. Army Cadets will be doing a reading of the U.S. Constitution, with a rain location of the Hubbard Commons located inside of the IMU.
With thanks to United States Representative Dave Loebsack, free pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution will be available while supplies last on September 17 at the following locations: the Main Library Service Desk near the East entrance, Java House 211 E. Washington St., and T-Spoons Coffee Shop, located on the first floor of the University Capitol Center.