University of Iowa Libraries named 'Library of the Year'

The University of Iowa Main Library is the central hub of UI Libraries, named a “Library of the Year” by the U.S. Government Printing Office. File photo by Tom Jorgensen.

The University of Iowa Libraries has been named a “Library of the Year” by the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). The UI is one of four libraries in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) being recognized for its leadership, educational outreach, and commitment to providing free public access to information available from the federal government.

The UI Libraries, the state’s regional depository library, is honored for its successful blending of partnerships and projects within the institution, the local community, GPO, and nationwide. One unique project is the annual partnership with Rep. Dave Loebsack, UI ROTC cadets, and Iowa City coffee shops to celebrate Constitution Day every fall.

The University Libraries are exemplary in their cataloging and preservation initiatives. One such project was the cleaning, repair, and digitization of a collection of nearly 1,500 large format posters.

“We are honored by this recognition from the GPO,” says John Culshaw, University Librarian. “This has truly been a team effort. Marianne Mason, our federal information librarian, has embraced the mission of making government information available through her team leadership.”

Other libraries recognized were the Arizona State Library, Brooklyn College Library, and the Ottenheimer Library at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

“These libraries go above and beyond what is required by the FDLP to serve the information needs of their communities,” says Public Printer Davita Vance-Cooks. “GPO understands the critical role the FDLP plays in helping connect the American people with government information.”

The FDLP provides the public with access to authentic, published information from all three branches of the Federal Government in print and electronic formats through partnerships with approximately 1,200 libraries nationwide. Depository libraries, located in almost every congressional district, include small public libraries, federal agency libraries, law libraries, and research university libraries.

GPO is the Federal Government’s official, digital, secure resource for producing, procuring, cataloging, indexing, authenticating, disseminating, and preserving the official information products of the U.S. Government. GPO provides for permanent public access to Federal Government information at no charge through the Federal Digital System, partnerships with approximately 1,200 libraries nationwide participating in the Federal Depository Library Program, and the secure online bookstore.