University of Iowa Libraries

University of Iowa Libraries. The University of Iowa library system is one of the largest in the state, with a rich history dating back to 1855, when it was founded by Amos Dean. The libraries have grown significantly over the years, with notable contributions from Herbert Hoover, Grant Wood, and Marilynne Robinson. The system is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and it has partnerships with institutions such as the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, and Iowa State University.

● History

The history of the University of Iowa Libraries is closely tied to the development of the University of Iowa, which was founded in 1847. The first library was established in 1855, with a collection of approximately 1,000 volumes, and it was housed in the Old Capitol building. Over the years, the library has undergone several transformations, with notable milestones including the construction of the Main Library in 1951, designed by Walter Netsch and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and the establishment of the Iowa City Public Library in 1896. The libraries have also been influenced by notable figures such as Carl Seashore, George Gallup, and John Irving, and they have played a significant role in the development of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, founded by Wilbur Schramm and Paul Engle.

● Collections

The University of Iowa Libraries have a vast and diverse collection of materials, including over 5 million volumes, 600,000 e-books, and 60,000 serials. The libraries are particularly strong in the areas of Iowa history, American literature, and rare books, with notable collections such as the Walt Whitman Collection and the Edgar Rice Burroughs Collection. The libraries also have extensive holdings in music, art, and theater, with significant collections of sheet music, posters, and playbills. The libraries are a member of the HathiTrust Digital Library and the Digital Public Library of America, and they have partnerships with institutions such as the New York Public Library, Library of Congress, and British Library.

● Facilities

The University of Iowa Libraries have several facilities across campus, including the Main Library, the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and the Art Library. The libraries also have a number of specialized facilities, such as the Digital Scholarship & Publishing Studio and the Conservation Laboratory. The libraries are currently undergoing a major renovation, with the construction of a new Learning Commons and the renovation of the Main Library building, designed by BNIM and OPN Architects. The libraries have also been recognized for their commitment to sustainability, with features such as green roofs and energy-efficient lighting, and they have been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

● Services

The University of Iowa Libraries offer a wide range of services to support the research and learning needs of the university community, including research assistance, instructional services, and technology support. The libraries also provide a number of specialized services, such as data management and scholarly communication support, and they have partnerships with institutions such as the Iowa City Public Library, Cedar Rapids Public Library, and Des Moines Public Library. The libraries are a member of the OCLC and the Ex Libris Group, and they have implemented a number of innovative technologies, such as discovery layers and library services platforms, developed by companies such as Ex Libris and OCLC.

● Organization

The University of Iowa Libraries are organized into several departments and units, including the Collections & Technical Services Department, the Research & Library Instruction Department, and the Digital Scholarship & Publishing Studio. The libraries are led by the University Librarian, who reports to the Provost and the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The libraries have a number of advisory boards and committees, including the Library Advisory Committee and the Digital Scholarship Advisory Board, and they have partnerships with institutions such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin–Madison. The libraries are also a member of the Association of College and Research Libraries and the American Library Association, and they have been recognized for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Inclusive Excellence Award. Category:University libraries in the United States