Mission
The mission of the Drake University Archives and Special Collections is to collect, arrange, preserve, and make accessible the permanent records of the University as well as rare and unique collections that support the University’s administration, teaching, research, and service.
To accomplish this mission, Archives and Special Collections will:
- Accept and arrange the materials of organizations and individuals that related to subject matter of research and educational endeavors of the University.
- Collect, preserve, and make accessible permanent University records, rare books, and other cultural heritage materials that relate to the subject matter of research and educational endeavors of the University.
- Collect, preserve, and make accessible materials that relate to the political and social history of Iowa.
- Provide reference and outreach services and make the collections available to researchers to support research, teaching, and lifelong learning.
Find
SuperSearch Research Databases Research Guides Books & eBooks Journals Media Newspapers & MagazinesBorrow & Request
Borrow & Materials for CheckoutInformation 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
Collections
Archives & Special CollectionsDrake 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 CollectionsResearch Support
Research GuidesHandpicked by experts for your area of study
Research ConsultationSchedule a one-on-one session with a librarian
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Subject ExpertsLibrarians 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
Teaching Support
Information Literacy ExpertiseWhat we teach and how we can help in your courses
Library LiaisonsConnect with a librarian
Course ReservesPut material on reserve for your courses
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Course Material SupportHelp with course material adoptions and textbook alternatives
OERExplore, adopt, adapt, and create open educational resources
Publishing SupportResources to help you publish your research
Records Management
About the Program Collection Policy Donate & Transfer Materials Education & Training FAQAbout the Archives
MissionWhat 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
Students
Research SupportGuides, 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
Faculty & Staff
InstructionResources and information literacy expertise to support your teaching
Requesting MaterialsConnect
Meet Our PeopleCowles Library faculty and staff profiles
JobsStudent employment at Cowles Library
Visit
Hours & LocationWhere we are and when we're open
Alumni & VisitorsServices for Drake alumni and visitors
Library Spaces
Floor MapsNavigate the library
Room ReservationsCheck availability and reserve a room
Computers & PrintingTechnology in the library