As the University of Iowa prepares for anticipated flooding of the Iowa River, some efforts have begun in the Main Library to remove books from lower level basement storage. These are lesser used books from our general circulating collection. Library staff are handling the book evacuation: no volunteers are needed at this time.

In 2012, the rare book, manuscript, and archival material from Special Collections & University Archives were moved from their previous location in the Main Library basement to permanent secure space on the third floor of the building.

During the flood of 2008, the Main Library building only took on 2″ of water in the lowest levels of the basement through floor drains. No materials in the building were damaged. The lowest shelf on the storage bookstacks is higher than 2″. The only materials damaged were books checked out to a student whose Coralville apartment flooded.