Cowles Library is the largest private academic library in Iowa. Our purpose is to support the educational goals of Drake University by providing services, collections, technology, and learning opportunities that make it possible for faculty and students to successfully access and use information.
We are also a selective Federal Depository Library for government documents, and we are open to the general public during regular building hours. For help with government documents in the library, ask at the Information Desk. For help with online government documents, use our Ask a Librarian service.
Meet our fantastic librarians in the Faculty & Staff Directory—connect with our dedicated library team and discover the faces behind your library experience.
If you are a Drake graduate, continue your library journey beyond graduation by exploring services and resources we offer to Drake alumni.
Are you a student looking for work? Explore opportunities to be a part of our dynamic library team. Apply now and embark on a fulfilling experience while making a difference in the Drake community. Join us in shaping the future of Cowles Library!
Find out where we are and when we're open. If you're a guest planning a visit, be sure to check our guest policies and privileges to see what's available to you.
Whether you need classroom space or a meeting venue, explore room reservation options in the library. Find your ideal place to study, pull an all-nighter in Midnight Hall, or grab a snack and some essential caffeine at the Cowles Coffee Shop.
The Library is also home to the Drake University Archives & Special Collections, which collects, arranges, preserves, and makes accessible the permanent records of the University and materials that relate to the political and social history of Iowa.
Information about borrowing, renewing, and materials available for checkout
Course ReservesUse materials placed on reserve by your instructors
FastTRACBorrow books directly from other Iowa academic library partners
Interlibrary LoanBorrow material from libraries around the world
Request a PurchaseAsk the library to purchase books or other research materials
Drake history and Iowa political papers
Digital CollectionsOnline access to unique items from the University Archives
Featured CollectionsBooks, eBooks, and videos we highlight throughout the year
Other Campus CollectionsHandpicked by experts for your area of study
Research ConsultationSchedule a one-on-one session with a librarian
Librarians who specialize in your area of study
Citing SourcesFind, organize, and use your citations
TutoringWriting Center, Speaking Center, and other Tutoring
Study SkillsTools & resources to help develop your study skills
What we teach and how we can help in your courses
Library LiaisonsConnect with a librarian
Course ReservesPut material on reserve for your courses
Help with course material adoptions and textbook alternatives
OERExplore, adopt, adapt, and create open educational resources
Publishing SupportResources to help you publish your research
What we do and why
VisitHours, directions, and guidelines for your Archives visit
PoliciesPolicies governing use of Archives resources and services
Contact & SupportReach, follow, and support the Archives
Guides, tutorials, and library expertise to help you succeed as a scholar
Using the LibraryBorrowing materials, finding a study space, locating services
Drake OnlineLibrary services and support directed toward Drake Online and other off-campus students
Feedback & ProblemsProvide feedback or resolve a problem with the library
Resources and information literacy expertise to support your teaching
Requesting MaterialsCowles Library faculty and staff profiles
JobsStudent employment at Cowles Library
Where we are and when we're open
Alumni & VisitorsServices for Drake alumni and visitors
Navigate the library
Room ReservationsCheck availability and reserve a room
Computers & PrintingTechnology in the library
Cowles Library mission and vision
PoliciesPolicies governing use of library resources, space, and services
Diversity, Equity, & InclusionLibrary support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice