U-of-I Library reaches milestone

The University of Iowa Libraries is recognizing a milestone today — it’s acquiring its four-millionth holding, a rare book of artwork. David Schoonover, the U-of-I’s curator of rare books, says a “holding” doesn’t just mean a book, it can be microfilms, videos, music and other things.The U-of-I library system now encompasses 11 buildings on the Iowa City campus, and combined, is the largest library in Iowa. Schoonover says the four-millionth item is an artist’s book based on the writings of a 12th century medieval philosopher.Schoonover says many students at the U-of-I may not appreciate just how large the collection of four million items is — and that’s part of why today’s acquisition is being publicized.A public celebration is planned at the Iowa Memorial Union tonight at 7 o’clock. The event also recognizes the 10th anniversaries of the Iowa Women’s Archives and the Information Arcade, the Libraries’ multimedia facility.