Cowles Library Drake University

Cowles Library has been a U.S. Federal Depository library since 1962, as part of the Federal depository Library Program (FDLP). In accordance with 44 USC 1991, the Library provides free public access to Federal Government information in all formats. All library users, including those not affiliated with the university, and regardless of age, may use depository materials housed within the library. Public workstations are available to access government information. Librarians at the Information Commons/Reference desk will be available to assist users with government resources during hours the desk is open.

1. Drake University Users:
   1. Faculty, Staff and Students

      Borrowing privileges at Cowles Library are extended to Drake University faculty, staff, and currently enrolled full and part-time students. A current Drake ID issued through the Student Life Center must be shown when library materials are presented for checkout. Drake contract employees (Sodexho, LRI, etc) are considered staff, but must present a current Drake ID.

   2. Drake Alumni and Spouse/partner/child of Drake employee

      All Drake alumni and immediate family members of Drake employees may be extended borrowing privileges. They must present identification and complete a Special Permission application in order to receive a user’s card.

2. Guest Users:

   Guests are welcome to use print material and copier services in the library.

1. Borrowing Privileges
   1. Affiliate Users

      Special permission cards are provided to the following persons upon request and presentation of identification:

      • Grand View College students and faculty enrolled or teaching in the current semester.
      • Clergy in the Des Moines area

      Before receiving a special permission card each person must submit a completed application, which can be obtained at the Circulation Desk. Requests are generally processed within two business days. Cards are issued for a limited period of time and may be renewed upon request. Card holders are expected to return library materials by the due date and will be subject to overdue fines and immediate recall of books needed by Drake faculty or students.

   2. Guest Scholars

      The Dean of Cowles Library may grant borrowing privileges to individuals demonstrating temporary and unique academic need (e.g. visiting faculty). Borrowing privileges may also be granted to persons who are working on special projects for non-profit agencies in Des Moines and cannot locate information elsewhere in the Des Moines area. A complete application should be submitted at the Circulation Desk. Requests are generally processed within two business days. Contact the Coordinator of Reference Services at 515-271-3908, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday for more information.

   3. Non-affiliated Users

      Guest Users may obtain borrowing privileges. A completed application should be submitted to the Circulation Desk. Requests are generally processed within two business days. A non-refundable annual fee of $75.00 is required. Teachers (PreK – 12) with appropriate credentials may request a discounted price of $35.00 yearly. The fee provides for book check out only, and does not entitle the user to interlibrary loan. Guests do not need to obtain a borrower’s card to access government information.

2. Computer Use

   Guests wishing to use library computer, internet, and database resources, except for those seeking government information, must present identification at the Circulation desk to receive a log-on slip. Computers for accessing government resources are available in the Reference/Information Commons area. Guests may ask for help in finding these resources at the Reference/Information Commons desk.

   Users with a valid borrowing card may inquire at the Reference/Information Commons desk about the availability of special computer log-ons.

   Guests under Eighteen must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to access computers and internet resources. The only exception to this policy is that Guests under Eighteen may access solely government information without being accompanied by a parent or guardian.

   All users of computer technology must comply with the provisions of the “Drake University Policy on Acceptable Use of Computer Equipment” (pdf). Library staff reserve the right to refuse to provide services to guest users based on priority needs of Drake users.

Cowles Library does not have a “Friends” group, but gifts to the University General Fund on behalf of the library are encouraged.