Student Advisory Board

Student Library Advisory Board (SLAB)

The Student Library Advisory Board (SLAB) engages with the University student body to gather feedback from the student perspective, holds regular meetings that foster community across experiences and disciplines, and promotes library resources that matter to both the student members and their peers. Through these efforts, SLAB helps the Law Library fulfill its vision of being a “distinctive, memorable, and beloved part” of the student experience.

What do the Student SLAB Members do?

Student SLAB members serve as a bridge between the student body and the Law Library. As members, students:

Gather and share student feedback on library policies, services, spaces, resources, and programs.

Represent student perspectives and advocate for the library within student peer groups.

Promote library resources and events to the University community, including instructional programs.

Support library events through partnerships, such as Trick or Treat and National Library Week.

Student SLAB Member Expectations

Meeting Participation

Attend two board meetings per semester (four annually), scheduled based on member availability.

Meetings typically occur in late September, early November, February, and mid-April.

In-person attendance is encouraged; Zoom option available.

Respond to meeting-related communications within 48 hours.

Student Engagement and Library Advocacy

Share personal insights on how the library supports the student experience and suggest improvements.

Collect and relay feedback from peers to inform library policies, services, and programs.

Actively promote the Law Library’s resources, services, and events within the student community.

Term and Participation

Serve a one-year term (renewable with librarian approval).

Fulfill agreed-upon tasks such as event promotion and feedback collection.

Members are expected to participate consistently; those unable to meet expectations may be asked to step down.

How do I join?

Each fall semester, the Law Library issues a call for volunteers to join the Student Library Advisory Board. All University of Iowa students are eligible to apply. SLAB selection is guided by a rubric that values a demonstrated interest in supporting the library’s mission. We welcome students who have a positive relationship with the library and are eager to contribute to its continued success. Apply now for the Student Library Advisory Board!

For more information, please contact one of the library staff members listed above or email lawlib-infohawk@uiowa.edu.