Libraries

At Drake, our libraries are academic landmarks that stand at the heart of the University’s mission. They are also:

• A gathering place for you to study and work with fellow members of project teams
• Centers where highly trained experts are ready to help you learn the skills of navigating the digital world
• The gateway to a universe of information and answers residing in online databases and archives

Drake is home to two libraries:

• Cowles Library—The largest private academic library in Iowa, Cowles Library houses the University’s general print and digital collections, all searchable online; Archives and Special Collections; eScholarShare, and a repository of the work of Drake faculty and students. With SuperSearch, you can search nearly 100 key databases through a single interface. “Drake-apedia,” a student-created wiki highlighting Drake’s rich history, includes entries about campus buildings, notable faculty and alumni, various organizations, and time-honored traditions.
• Opperman Law Library—The law library supports Drake Law School’s faculty and students with specialized collections and databases and a highly skilled staff. Located in Dwight D. Opperman Hall, a building acclaimed for its architectural design, the library provides 700 seats in individual study settings and group meeting spaces, at tables and in lounge areas.

In the 21st century learning environment, our libraries and their staff members are your essential partners in the process of learning and discovery. With online databases and full-text journals available in every academic area that Drake offers, the libraries provide you with a wealth of information unimaginable even a few years ago.

Just as important, they provide a highly trained staff of librarians who are also educators, prepared to help you find your way through a vast sea of digital resources, evaluating, interpreting, and integrating the information you find.