In This Section:
Our Research Support services are here to help you excel in your academic pursuits. Explore subject-based Research Guides for curated resources and tips specific to your field of study, and take advantage of our tutorials on academic research to enhance your skills.
You can always use our Ask a Librarian service to text, chat, or email a quick question. If you need more personalized research help, schedule a one-on-one research consultation with our knowledgeable librarians. Get guidance on citing sources correctly to ensure your work is properly referenced, and explore our study skills guide to help you develop effective study habits.
Access your library account to manage your checkouts and renewals. If you need to borrow something Cowles Library doesn't have, take advantage of library collections around the world with our Interlibrary Loan and FastTRAC borrowing services, or ask us to purchase it for our collection.
Explore library spaces, whether you need to reserve a meeting space, find a great study spot, or locate a classroom. Use our Floor Maps to guide your way around Cowles Library.
Looking for course-specific services? Find out how to use Course Reserves set aside by your instructor, along with tutoring services like the Writing Center, Speaking Center, and subject-specific tutoring.
Schedule a visit to the University Archives & Special Collections, or explore their wide variety of online archival collections.
Our Online Programs guide offers information about services and resources directed toward online graduate programs, but it can also be useful to any student interested in accessing Cowles services and collections from off campus.
Our Feedback & Problems page provide information about how to report a problem with library resources and services, how to register a formal complaint about the library. If you just want to make a comment or let us know how we're doing, you can use our Feedback Form.
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