The University of Iowa Library is a comprehensive research library that provides a wide range of resources and services to support the academic, research, and informational needs of the university community. With a collection of over 5 million volumes, the library offers an extensive array of materials, including books, journals, databases, and digital collections. The library's resources are designed to support the university's mission to provide a world-class education, foster innovative research, and promote lifelong learning.
Library Collections and Resources

The University of Iowa Library’s collections include a vast array of materials, including print and electronic books, journals, newspapers, and databases. The library also provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including e-books, online journals, and digital collections. The library’s collections are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the university community, with a focus on providing materials that support the university’s academic programs and research initiatives. For example, the library has a strong collection of materials in the fields of engineering, business, and healthcare, with over 10,000 volumes and 500 databases dedicated to these subjects.
Special Collections and Archives
The University of Iowa Library is home to several special collections and archives, including the Iowa Women’s Archives, the University Archives, and the Special Collections Department. These collections provide access to rare and unique materials, including manuscripts, photographs, and other historical documents. The library’s special collections and archives are an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars, and students, offering a unique perspective on the university’s history and the state of Iowa. For instance, the Iowa Women’s Archives contains over 1,000 collections of personal papers, organizational records, and other materials that document the experiences of women in Iowa, providing a rich source of information for researchers studying women’s history and gender studies.
| Collection | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Women's Archives | Collection of materials documenting the experiences of women in Iowa | Main Library, 3rd floor |
| University Archives | Collection of materials documenting the history of the University of Iowa | Main Library, 3rd floor |
| Special Collections Department | Collection of rare and unique materials, including manuscripts and photographs | Main Library, 3rd floor |

In addition to its physical collections, the University of Iowa Library also provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including online journals, databases, and e-books. The library's digital collections are designed to support the university's academic programs and research initiatives, with a focus on providing materials that are relevant, reliable, and easily accessible. For example, the library provides access to over 100,000 e-books and 50,000 online journals, making it easy for students and researchers to find the information they need from anywhere in the world.
Library Services and Support

The University of Iowa Library offers a wide range of services and support to help students, faculty, and staff succeed. The library provides research assistance, instruction, and outreach services, as well as access to technology, including computers, printers, and scanners. The library also offers a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces. For instance, the library’s research assistance service provides one-on-one consultations with librarians, helping students and researchers to develop their research skills and find the information they need.
Research Assistance and Instruction
The University of Iowa Library provides research assistance and instruction to help students, faculty, and staff develop their research skills and find the information they need. The library offers a variety of services, including one-on-one consultations, group instruction, and online tutorials. The library’s research assistance and instruction services are designed to support the university’s academic programs and research initiatives, with a focus on providing students and researchers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. For example, the library’s online tutorials provide interactive lessons on topics such as database searching, citation management, and research ethics, helping students to develop their research skills and avoid common pitfalls.
Key Points
- The University of Iowa Library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, databases, and digital collections
- The library's special collections and archives include rare and unique materials, such as manuscripts, photographs, and other historical documents
- The library offers a variety of services, including research assistance, instruction, and outreach services, as well as access to technology and study spaces
- The library's digital collections include online journals, databases, and e-books, making it easy for students and researchers to find the information they need from anywhere in the world
- The library's research assistance and instruction services are designed to support the university's academic programs and research initiatives, with a focus on providing students and researchers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed
The University of Iowa Library is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the university community. The library offers a variety of services and resources to support students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, including accessible study spaces, adaptive technology, and assistance from library staff. For example, the library's accessible study spaces are designed to provide a quiet and comfortable environment for students with disabilities, with features such as wheelchair-accessible tables and adaptive software.
Library Technology and Infrastructure
The University of Iowa Library is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the university community, with a focus on providing the latest technology and infrastructure to support academic and research success. The library offers a variety of technology, including computers, printers, and scanners, as well as access to specialized software and equipment, such as 3D printers and virtual reality headsets. The library’s technology and infrastructure are designed to support the university’s academic programs and research initiatives, with a focus on providing students and researchers with the tools and resources they need to succeed. For instance, the library’s 3D printing service allows students and researchers to create complex models and prototypes, while the virtual reality headsets provide an immersive experience for students studying subjects such as architecture and engineering.
Accessible Technology and Study Spaces
The University of Iowa Library is committed to providing accessible technology and study spaces for all members of the university community. The library offers a variety of accessible technology, including adaptive software and equipment, such as text-to-speech software and wheelchair-accessible computers. The library’s study spaces are also designed to be accessible, with features such as wheelchair-accessible tables and adaptive furniture. For example, the library’s accessible study spaces are equipped with height-adjustable tables and ergonomic chairs, providing a comfortable and supportive environment for students with disabilities.
| Technology | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Computers | Public computers with access to library resources and software | Main Library, 1st floor |
| Printers and Scanners | Public printers and scanners for printing and scanning documents | Main Library, 1st floor |
| 3D Printers | Specialized equipment for creating 3D models and prototypes | Main Library, 2nd floor |
In conclusion, the University of Iowa Library is a comprehensive research library that provides a wide range of resources and services to support the academic, research, and informational needs of the university community. With a focus on providing accessible and inclusive environments, the library is committed to supporting the success of all members of the university community.
What types of resources and services does the University of Iowa Library offer?
+The University of Iowa Library offers a wide range of resources and services, including books, journals, databases, digital collections, research assistance, instruction, and outreach services, as well as access to technology and study spaces.
How can I access the University of Iowa Library's digital collections?
+The University of Iowa Library's digital collections can be accessed through the library's website, using your university login credentials.
What types of study spaces are available at the University of Iowa Library?
+The University of Iowa Library offers a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces, as well as accessible study spaces for students with disabilities.
Meta Description: The University of Iowa Library provides access to a wide range of resources and services, including books, journals, databases, and digital collections, to support the academic, research, and informational needs of the university community.