The University of Iowa Libraries is the largest library system in Iowa and 7th in materials expenditures among U.S. public research libraries (ARL FY17 data). The UI Libraries include the Main Library and six branches that each serve specialized areas of study (Art Library, Lichtenberger Engineering Library, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, Pomerantz Business Library, Rita Benton Music Library, and the Sciences Library).

Th UI Libraries maintain consortial arrangements with the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the State of Iowa Regents libraries (Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa), the Association for Research Libraries (ARL), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI).