University Libraries

With over 100,000 books, 45,000 newspapers, and 100,000 government documents published in the US each year, in addition to the 27 million sites on the Internet, you know the information you need has to be out there.

Now, if you only knew where to start. How about with your librarian? Every student at the University of Iowa has a Subject Specialist Librarian.

Always in the know with the most current information, librarians at the University of Iowa can help you find the latest research in your field, help you evaluate information resources you find on the web and help you locate the best answers to your questions.

With graduate degrees in library and information studies, librarians are highly qualified information specialists, using technology, such as databases and the Internet, as just some of the tools of their trade.

With five million volumes, the University of Iowa Libraries may be the largest library you’ve ever used. And it is easy to be unsure of where to start, librarians help you find it. Our librarians help to ensure all people have access to information and the skills to effectively access, use and evaluate information in all formats.

If you are overwhelmed by the avalanche of information, your librarian can help you find it. Your search is easy. You’ll find their unparalleled expertise @ your library.

Each semester hundreds of students work at the University of Iowa Libraries, and you can too.

• Flexible Schedules. You can work 7 to 20 hours a week from early morning shifts to late night.
• Multiple Locations. The UI Libraries has 9 convenient locations across campus, both the east side and west side of the river.
• Variety of Jobs. There are all kinds of things to do to keep the library running: customer service, clerical, re-shelving or security.
• Pay. We offer a competitive $7.25/hour wage.
• Learn about Library Resources. You’ll become familiar with the information resources the library offers students, which can give you an advantage when it comes time for your next paper.

Come check out all the student job opportunities at the UI Libraries during the Job Fair on Thursday, August 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the IMU.

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, (319) 335-0705 (voice) and (319) 335-0697 (text), 202 Jessup Hall, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316.

Now you can check out books, journals AND media materials from one location in the Main Library – the South Circulation Desk. All materials held and equipment available in the former Media Services are available in the new renovated space at the South Circulation Desk, located in the southwest corner of the Main Library’s 1st floor.

Media materials (videos) placed on course reserve will now be available at the South Circulation Desk with other course reserves.

Videos placed on hold are available for pick-up at the North Circulation Desk with the other library materials placed on hold, which is available all hours that the Main Library is open.

Staff at the South Circulation Desk can retrieve materials and assist you with any questions about the media collection. Contact them directly at lib-media-services@uiowa.edu or 319-335-5912.

An overdue renovation of the Maps Department in the Main Library was completed this summer. The old, worn carpet was replaced with tile. The walls were painted and the collection was re-organized. While this may not seems like a massive undertaking, the key challenge was the temporary relocation of dozens of map cases.

Each of these cases was moved into the corridor or the Government Documents Reading Room on the third floor. Then after all of the work was completed in the department, the cases were returned to their original home.

Today, the Maps collection staff is back to business as usual – in a clean, updated department.

The Art Library collection has made its journey across the river from Art Building West to the Main Library. When we learned that Art Building West would not be ready and approved for re-occupancy when previously anticipated (by January, 2010), we decided to move the collection to the Main Library to improve accessibility. Previously anyone wanting materials from the art collection had to make a formal request for the materials to be retrieved. Now students, faculty and other library users will have direct access to the collection.

Art Library and Music Library staff have co-located in room 2006, which is adjacent to the both collections. Library users will also find current journal issues, media and course reserves in Art and Music here.

To reach a member of the Art Library staff, please email (lib-art@uiowa.edu) or call 319-335-3086. To reach a member of the Music Library staff, please email (lib-music@uiowa.edu) or call 319- 335-3086.

The Main Library ITC, located on the east side of the 2nd floor, is the largest facility on campus with over 200 desktop computers (both PC and Macintosh platforms). Laptop computers are available for check out at the Information/Reference Desk on the first floor of the Main Library. They may be used anywhere in the Main Library.

In the Main Library, printing problems (paper, toner, jams) will be handled by staff at the Information/Reference desk. Technical support will be handled by ITS Help Desk via phone, email, live chat or in person on the second floor of University Capitol Centre, one block away.