In This Section:
Cowles Library supports student learning and research skills. Our subject experts can guide you to the resources that are most relevant and useful to your research topic. To help get you started, or to take your research to the next level, schedule a one-on-one consultation with a subject expert.
We can also connect you to the most useful databases, journals, books, and other resources for your topic through our curated Research Guides. If you need tools, techniques, and guidance to strengthen your study skills, we offer those, too.
As a responsible researcher and scholar, you need to cite your sources. Our guide to citation styles and recommended citation management tools will help you find, use, and manage references for your papers and assignments.
In addition to teaching our own courses, library faculty are available to teach information literacy skills in any course. We can tailor the topic to your specific needs, from getting started with the research process to evaluating online source to the ethical use of information. Visit our Information Literacy Expertise section or connect with your Librarian Liaison to learn how we can help.
We can also assist you with identifying and connecting your students to more affordable course materials. Streamline learning with Course Reserves by placing textbooks, articles, and multimedia resources on reserve, ensuring students have the resources they need to excel in your courses. Make college more affordable for your students by finding Open Access (OA) and Open Educational Resources (OER) textbook alternatives (we can help!).
The library has a number of resources to help through the process of publishing your research and other scholarly work. Learn more about your rights as an author, find out how to improve your academic writing, and explore OA publishing options.
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