Dear Friend of the UI Libraries,
The rapid spread of the novel COVID-19 virus has kept many of us glued to news updates, setting up home offices, and attending virtual meetings – all while maintaining a safe social distance. It’s hard to remember that a mere month ago, our campus was eagerly anticipating spring break and other social activities such as traveling, annual events, and sports championships.
As the situation continues to change, the University of Iowa and the UI Libraries are working to ensure the safety of our Hawkeye community while also providing support for online teaching, learning, and research. To that end, UI Libraries facilities are closed to the public, including our collections and exhibits. However, all seven of our campus libraries are open online, offering digital library resources such as e-books, e-articles, streaming video, and e-images.
The UI campus is in uncharted territory as faculty and students prepare for online courses starting March 30. The Libraries plays a significant role in supporting these efforts by ensuring access to information resources and expertise. We’re also doing what we can to make things easier for our patrons, such as automatically extending due dates from June 2020 to June 2021 for campus and community borrowers.
If you’re seeking diversion, I invite you to explore our Libraries’ online resources, such as a virtual tour through the Presidential Portrait Gallery. Or, if you want to feel connected to campus, explore our digital collection of the Daily Iowan (DI) or the Hawkeye Yearbook. You can even sign up to help digitize UI yearbooks on the Libraries' DIY History site. I encourage you to take time to discover the multitude of resources and tools available on the UI Libraries’ website.
Working together, we will overcome this challenge. At the University of Iowa, it is in our nature to persevere. The institution is strong, and we will weather this situation just as we have come through previous crises.
Thank you for your continued interest and support.
On Iowa!
John Culshaw, Jack B. King University Librarian
P.S., Like all of our staff, I too am working from home. As you can see from this picture taken in my home office, all members of our household are practicing social distancing. That's Calvin on the sofa and Klaus on the floor. Stay safe and be well!
