State Library of Iowa

State Library of Iowa. The Iowa General Assembly established the library in 1895 with the goal of providing Iowa residents with access to information and resources. The library is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and it serves as a primary resource for Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa students, as well as the general public. The library's mission is to provide Iowa residents with equal access to information, and it works closely with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Library Association to achieve this goal.

● History

The State Library of Iowa was established during the Iowa General Assembly's 24th session, with George D. Perkins serving as the first State Librarian of Iowa. The library's early collections included materials from the Iowa State Historical Society and the Iowa Academy of Science. Over the years, the library has undergone significant changes, including the addition of new buildings and the implementation of new technologies, such as the Online Computer Library Center and the Iowa Library Services online catalog. The library has also worked closely with other institutions, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Iowa Department of Education, to provide Iowa residents with access to a wide range of resources. Notable figures, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Mamie Eisenhower, have visited the library, and it has been recognized by organizations like the American Library Association and the National Association of State Librarians.

● Collections

The State Library of Iowa's collections include over 1 million items, ranging from books and journals to manuscripts and microforms. The library's collections are particularly strong in the areas of Iowa history, genealogy, and agriculture, with materials from institutions like the Iowa State Historical Society, the Iowa Genealogical Society, and the National Agricultural Library. The library also provides access to a wide range of databases and electronic resources, including JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest, which are used by students and researchers from institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, the library participates in the Federal Depository Library Program, which provides access to United States Government publications from agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the United States Census Bureau.

● Services

The State Library of Iowa offers a wide range of services to Iowa residents, including reference services, interlibrary loan, and literacy programs. The library's reference services are available in person, by phone, and via email and chat, and are staffed by librarians from institutions like the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The library also provides access to assistive technology for patrons with disabilities, in partnership with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. Furthermore, the library offers workshops and training sessions on topics like information literacy and digital citizenship, which are often presented in collaboration with institutions like the American Library Association and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

● Programs

The State Library of Iowa offers a variety of programs for Iowa residents, including author readings, book clubs, and children's storytime. The library also participates in the Summer Reading Program, which is sponsored by the Collaborative Summer Library Program and the American Library Association. Additionally, the library offers grant programs for Iowa libraries, which are funded by organizations like the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Arts. The library has also partnered with institutions like the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Area Education Agencies to provide professional development opportunities for Iowa librarians and educators.

● Governance

The State Library of Iowa is governed by the Iowa Commission of Libraries, which is composed of Iowa residents appointed by the Governor of Iowa. The commission is responsible for setting the library's policies and budget, and for overseeing the library's operations. The library is also subject to the Iowa Code, which governs the library's powers and duties. The library works closely with other state agencies, including the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, to provide Iowa residents with access to information and resources. The library is also a member of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and the National Association of State Librarians, which provide opportunities for collaboration and professional development with institutions like the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.