Cowles Library subscribes to many journals. All the journals are located on the ground floor on both east and west sides. Journals dating 1993-present are located on the east side. Journals dating 1992 and back are located on the west side.

The library subscribes to some journals on microfilm as well. Journals may not be checked out.

Cowles Library subscribes to numerous newspapers, and foreign language papers and magazines. Paper issues of most newspapers are retained for three months and then recycled. Current issues of the following titles are kept in the newspaper shelving on the east side of the ground floor. Titles not found below may be available online. See the All Services Desk for assistance locating online newspapers if needed.

• Aera
• Barron's
• Chicago Tribune
• Des Moines Business Record
• Des Moines Register
• Die Zeit
• France Amerique
• Iowa Bystander
• Le Monde
• New York Times
• Sunday Times of India
• Times Literary Supplement
• Village Voice
• Wall St. Journal

The Des Moines Register is replaced by microfilm and kept permanently. Paper issues are retained until the microfilm arrives.