Fall 2025 welcome from Library Dean Hilary Seo

It’s party time at Parks Library, and you’re invited.  

As we close out the Parks Library Centennial year this semester, we hope you’ll join us on September 24 from noon – 2 p.m. for our campus celebration.  

A performance by the Department of Music and Theater will set the mood, tours will showcase our historic and innovative building, and legendary items from Iowa State history will be on display, all while offering free samples of ice cream and hard cider. “Aha! Moments: Parks Library” is a new cherry-chocolate flavor launched by the ISU Creamery to celebrate our special milestone. “Centennial Cyder” brewed by our friends in the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute expands their offerings and helps us close our celebration in style. We hope you’ll join us to raise a glass, or spoon, in celebration! 

There’s much to celebrate at the University Library. 

• In Parks Library we’ve updated lighting in the tiers, added another study pod to the Central Parks area of first floor, and are in the midst of updating our wayfinding to further improve our user experience.
• Our partnership with Cyclone Support connects students with resources and provides a drop-in wellness space in Cyclone Support Central in Parks Library. There’s a full slate of relevant programming planned for this academic year.
• We continue to help instructors identify and vet free and low-cost course materials through the support of subject librarians, Open Educational Resources, and Course Reserves. We appreciate the partnership with the University Book Store to help instructors choose the best options for students.
• Your subject librarian is at the ready to assist you with research and instruction support tailored to your major or discipline. Reach out for one-on-one support or to request a visit to your class or research group.
• Don’t miss your chance to attend one of our workshops this fall. From “Avoiding AI Fails” to “Copyright in the Classroom” and more – there’s something for everyone.
• Studio 2B is available – complete with tech support – for creating course materials and recording and live-streaming professional-quality videos.
• And you can tap into our online resources at lib.iastate.edu. There’s Live Chat on our home page for immediate support and access to more than 2 million e-books plus online journals and databases.  

I’d like to offer a special thanks to our current and former staff – including our stellar student employees – who have shaped Parks Library into the research and learning powerhouse it is today. Thank you for being a part of our history! Together, we’ll empower this generation and generations to come for success.  

Sincerely, 

Hilary