Starting July 1st, the Special Collections & Archives reading room will be returning to the walk-in access model. We will no longer require appointments to visit our space and use our materials. This summer, we welcome you to visit noon – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. While you will not need an appointment, please note that we will be operating at 50% capacity. Please note, however, that we will still require appointments until June 25th. Special Collections & Archives will be closed June 28th – 30th, and July 5th.
It’s been a while, so here are some reminders to help you with the changes in our reading room.
–The Reading Room Visitor’s Guide is here to stay! This is your guide to stay up-to-date concerning accessing the Special Collections reading room. Contact information for other special collections reading rooms on campus, including the Iowa Women’s Archives, John Martin Rare Book Room, and Canter Rare Book Room, is also available on this page. Have a question, start here!
Access & Safety
-The Main Library has been open to the public since June 1st, 2021. University ID card swipe will no longer be required for entrance to the building.
-The University of Iowa has revised their face mask policy as of May 20th, 2021. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask and physically distancing on campus. If you are fully vaccinated, you should feel comfortable continuing to wear a mask if you choose, however it is not required.
-If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home. If you have materials on hold at the Special Collections, we will keep your materials on hold until you are able to return to the library to access them.
Notable Service Changes
-Patrons will again be able to request materials using their patron (Aeon) account. Please note that requests made within 24 business hours of your visit may not necessarily be pulled upon your arrival, and therefore we will page the materials for you on the spot. As always, patron accounts will be required to access Special Collections materials. Click here to create a patron account.
-To learn more about placing material requests, please use this guide. Not comfortable making an item request? No problem! We can help you on the spot, or staff can help you in advance of your visit. Please email us at lib-spec@uiowa.edu.
-We will be returning to our 6-item reading room limit. Please note that unlimited material requests may be placed in your patron (Aeon) account, and placed in your “user review” for easy submitting during your reading room visit. During your visit, once you finish with your first 6 items, we will promptly page your next 6 items and do our best to limit your waiting time in between requests.
-The scanner returns! We will be bringing back our overhead scanner, along with our two patron computers with flatbed scanners. But remember, these cannot be reserved.
-You will be able to access patron lockers again. Please remember that while using Special Collections materials, you will only be able to bring with you a laptop, phone, camera, and pencil into the reading room space. Bags, coats, notebooks, outside paper, pens, food, or drink is not allowed. We can provide pencils and special paper for your reading room visit if needed.
Preparing for the Fall Semester
-Beginning August 23rd, Special Collections will increase service hours to the following new schedule, again, walk-ins accepted.
- Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Tuesday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
-Want to bring your class to Special Collections for an in-person or virtual experience? Check out our Instruction Information page.
- Reserve your Fall class now by filling out the online form. Class times fill up quickly, so we encourage you to reserve your spot now.
Additional Resources
-Have a question about anything mentioned in this blog post? Contact Special Collections at lib-spec@uiowa.edu.
-Looking to view materials from the Iowa Women’s Archives? Starting July 6th, IWA will be open by appointment only, and can be contacted at lib-women@uiowa.edu.
- Beginning August 23rd, they will be open 9:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Tuesday through Friday.
–Click here to learn more about using The University of Iowa Libraries during this time
-To stay updated on Coronavirus (COVID-19) related information at The University of Iowa, please click here.
