Our nearly 6,500 volumes of original works represent classic contributions to the history of the health sciences from the 15th through 21st centuries.

Included are selected books, reprints, and journals dealing with the history of medicine at the university and in the State of Iowa.

Secondary sources such as histories of particular subjects, biographies, and bibliographies are housed in the Hardin Library main collection.


The John Martin Rare Book Room is located on the fourth floor of the Hardin Library and is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and by appointment on Fridays.
To ensure access, please contact Damien Ihrig at damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319/335-9154.
Access to the collection is also available by contacting the Hardin Library Information Desk at 319/335-9151.
The Rare Book Room is closed on weekends and university holidays.