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About the Collections
The Drake University Archives and Special Collections curate valuable research collections, ensuring continual access to Iowa-centric political materials as well as enduring records and unique materials related to Drake University. These collections provide a comprehensive look into the history of Drake University, encompassing student life, faculty contributions, and institutional development.
Our University Archives contain permanent records, including historical documents from campus entities, as well as photographs, media, manuscripts, and memorabilia.
Special Collections feature rare books, journals, and publications by Drake faculty and alumni, as well as unique print collections.
Please note that some collections may contain harmful, offensive, or misrepresentative content. For more information, read our Harmful Content Statement.
Explore the Archives through our Finding Aids or contact the Archives and Special Collections directly for assistance.
Featured Collections
University Archives
The University Archives is the official repository for all materials related to Drake University. It preserves the university's history through various collections, including records from administrative units, academic departments, faculty, staff, alumni, and affiliated organizations. These collections, which hold lasting historical significance, encompass various formats, such as photographs, documents, media, manuscripts, memorabilia, and digital files.
Drake Digital Collections
The Drake Digital Collections include over 90,000 items digitized from the collections of Cowles Library and the Drake University Archives and Special Collections.
eScholarShare
eScholarshare is our open-access institutional repository that collects, preserves, and distributes materials produced or maintained by the Drake community. Eligible submissions include journal articles, dissertations, theses, and conference papers.
Special Collections
Special Collections consist primarily of rare and special printed materials that hold long-term, historical research potential for academic programs. The collections support various research and teaching activities in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Political Papers Collections
Political Papers Collections include records from Iowa lawmakers or records that document Iowa's political processes, including the Iowa Caucuses.
Iowa History
The Iowa History collections document the social history of the Des Moines area and the state of Iowa. Notable collections include the Cowles Family Papers, the Drake Neighborhood Association Collection, and the History of Oskaloosa College.
You can browse all collections by title (including those in the Drake Law School Archives) or keyword search across collections.
To view the areas of collecting interest for the Archives and Special Collections please visit our Collection Development Policy section.
Finding Aids
Finding Aids are online documents providing detailed information about collections. That information includes content descriptions and links to digitized material or related sites. Collections range from University records to manuscripts and political papers. ArchivesSpace is a keyword-searchable database of all archival material available in the Archives and Special Collections. Collections awaiting processing do not have finding aids.
Please contact the Archives and Special Collections if you require assistance.
Finding Aid Tutorial
Record Groups
Record groups are a way of organizing and describing collections of archival materials based on their provenance or source of origin. Browse the various records groups within the Drake University Archives and Special Collections.
Exhibits
Visit our Exhibits page to view current and past exhibits and displays that showcase materials from the Archives and Special Collections.
Please contact the Archives and Special Collections if you require assistance.
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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
Collections
Finding Aids University Archives Drake Digital Collections eScholarShare Special Collections Political Papers Collections Exhibits Harmful Content StatementRecords 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
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Faculty & Staff
InstructionResources and information literacy expertise to support your teaching
Requesting MaterialsConnect
Meet Our PeopleCowles Library faculty and staff profiles
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Hours & LocationWhere we are and when we're open
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Computers & PrintingTechnology in the library