Library & Archives Research Center

    Reference Requests

    Welcome back! Beginning October 20 the Library and Archives Research Centers will be open every Wednesday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Research visits are by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please use our online form to book an appointment.

    As always, Library and Archives staff continue to assist researchers remotely. When using the Reference Request Form for the following services we offer, please indicate the time sensitive nature of your request:

    • Ask specific questions about Historical Library and Archives collections.
    • Request copies of specific images, pages from documents, books, periodicals, manuscripts, newspaper articles and obituaries.
    • Request reproductions of entire periodical articles or a book chapter.  (Note: Allowable only if the item requested for duplication is not currently copyright protected.)  

    For questions that require in-depth reference beyond the resources of State Historical Society of Iowa Library and Archives staff, you may want to visit our Research Centers in person or consult the list of independent researchers.  These individuals provide research assistance for a fee. While the majority specialize in genealogy, some conduct various types of historical investigation. We do not endorse any particular individual on the list.  Any agreement with an independent researcher is solely between you and the independent researcher.

    Fulfilling Your Request

    After submitting the Reference Request Form our team will review your request and respond as soon as we are able. Because we receive a large volume of requests, it may be several weeks before we can respond to you. You will be notified if the information you are seeking cannot be found. Depending on the request’s complexity, you, or a representative on your behalf, may need to visit in person to conduct research.

    • Reference Fees – If your request requires extensive reference, additional charges may be incurred starting at $20.00. You will be provided with a cost estimate to approve prior to our staff beginning the work. Included in the fee are up to 10 complimentary photocopies and shipping.
    • Additional Charges – Additional charges may be incurred if extra or specialized work is associated with your request including, but not limited to, more photocopies, photographs and document scans.
    • Payment – Do not send payment until you are requested to do so by the staff. All payments are required in advance before work begins on your request.

    Staff are unable to fulfill a reference request in the following instances:

    • When release of information or materials are restricted by United States copyright, Federal or State law or donor agreements.
    • When equipment to reproduce the material(s) is not available.
    • When the condition of the material(s) is fragile.

    Additional Services

    Independent Researchers

    Historical Library and Archives staff are not able to provide any general, complex or broad-based reference services.  To answer these types of questions, you should visit one of the Research Centers in person or consult the list of independent researchers. Any independent researcher agreement must be solely between you and the independent researcher.

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