Schedule a Special Collections and Archives Service

Select one of the following services:

Schedule a Special Collections Class
Schedule an Iowa Women’s Archives Class
Schedule an Event

If you are not sure which service to select, email your specific needs to lib-spec@uiowa.edu and a staff member will assist you.

Schedule an Iowa Women's Archives Class

Select this option for classes hosted in the Iowa Women's Archives.

Schedule a Special Collections Class

Select this option for classes focusing on rare books, maps, University Archives, The International Dada Archive, and the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry.

Special Collections staff are available for in-person or virtual class sessions in order to provide formal instruction sessions, course-related presentations, and general overviews of our department. We offer a range of services for instructors interested in teaching with and about the books, manuscripts, archives, fanzines and other materials in our collections. Non-University of Iowa and K-12 classes are welcome.

Whether you are planning in-person classes, synchronous or asynchronous online classes, or a combination of the three, Special Collections can assist you and help plan a way to bring our collections to your classroom.

Before requesting a class, please take the time to read over our instruction policies and procedures here.

Please complete the following form and have materials selected at least three weeks in advance of your session. Once we receive your form, a staff member will provide further information about submitting material requests.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Name*

Please let us know in the Other Information box at the end of the form if you wish to be addressed in a particular way in front of your students. (Ex: Prof., Dr., etc.)

Email*

Your Affiliation*

Session Information

Session Options (check all that apply)*

Course-related instruction
Orientation to/Overview of Special Collections & Archives
Finding and using primary source material
Other (Please explain below)

Number of Participants (expected)*

Course Name and Number

Class Zoom Link (if applicable)

How would you like the class session to be taught?*

I'd like a staff member to provide a brief introduction on material use and handling, and then I'll take it from there.
I'd like to co-teach with a staff member.
I'd like a staff member to lead this class session.

Please provide specific information about the session (your goal(s), our role(s), types of materials you wish to be incorporated, etc.)

Scheduling Information

Please provide scheduling information for a single class session. Please include this information for virtual classes as well, if a Special Collections staff member does not need to attend your class virtually. By providing your class date and time, we will be able to plan accordingly in order to support any asynchronous class needs.

If you would like to book a semester-long, re-occurring class, please email lib-spec@uiowa.edu as this type of request requires special permission and advance planning.

Preferred Date*

At least three weeks’ notice is mandatory to schedule a session.

Start Time*

:

AM/PM

End Time*

:

AM/PM

Please submit backup dates and times here:

Assignments

Are you interested in Special Collections assisting you with creating a class assignment?

Yes
No

Please attach any relevant class documents. (assignments, syllabi, etc.)

Max. file size: 20 MB.

Accommodations

Do you have a student or students in need of accommodations?

Yes
No

Please describe any needed accommodations.

Other Information

Please inform us of anything else you may need for your class.

Thank you for your interest in visiting Special Collections! Once your request form is submitted, a staff member will contact you within a few business days.

Schedule an Event

Special Collections staff are happy to provide virtual outreach events. We can provide informal, show-and-tell style programs to formal presentations for groups from any affiliation, including community groups. We are also happy to provide virtual events via Zoom.

Contact Information

Name*

Email*

Your Affiliation*

Event Information

Number of Participants (expected)*

Type of Event (check all that apply)*

Orientation/Overview to Special Collections and Archives
Formal presentation by staff member(s)
Show-and-tell of Special Collections materials
Exhibit tour
Other (please explain below)

Please note that while events are virtual, Special Collections staff will do our best to create a fulfilling and informative experience for your group.

Provide specific information about your requested event:

If appropriate, please describe or list the Special Collections materials you wish to be incorporated into your event.

If you are unsure, or do not have specific materials/subject areas in mind, we are happy to provide a variety of materials that highlight the major collecting areas of our department.

Scheduling Information

Preferred Date*

At least two weeks’ notice is mandatory to schedule a session.

Start Time*

:

AM/PM

End Time*

:

AM/PM

If you would like to submit backup dates and times, please denote it here:

Accommodations

Do you have an attendee or attendees in need of accommodations?

Yes
No

Please describe any needed accommodations:

Other Information

Please inform us of anything else you may need for your event.

Schedule a Small Group Material Consultation

This option should be used for 2 or more individuals who wish to use Special Collections materials in a setting where conversation is necessary.

Anyone is welcome to come view Special Collections materials in the Reading Room without an appointment. However, if 2 or more individuals are interested in working with materials in a group setting where conversation is needed, we request you complete this form so we can appropriately accommodate your needs, while ensuring that the Reading Room remain a quiet space for our other patrons. Small group consultation will likely take place in one of our meeting spaces or classrooms, and a Special Collections staff member or student will be assigned to sit with you, and proper material policies and procedures must be observed, which are outlined here.

Please fill out this form at least 3 business days before your requested appointment. Group consultation will only be scheduled during normal business hours for a maximum of 2 hours per appointment. Special Collections hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Tuesdays we are open later until 7:00pm.

Contact Information

Name of Primary Contact*

Email of Primary Contact*

Your Affiliation*

Consultation Information

Number of Participants*

Purpose for Consultation*

Personal research
Course-related research
Publication research
Informal instruction session
Other (Please explain below)

Provide any further information about your request that will help us better assist you:

List the specific materials you wish to view in your consultation (include collection and call number when appropriate).*

Unprocessed or uncatalogued materials need to be separately arranged with Special Collections staff.

Scheduling Information

Preferred Date*

Start Time*

:

AM/PM

End Time*

:

AM/PM

Appointments are to last a maximum of two hours.

Accommodations

Do you have an attendee or attendees in need of accommodations? (Wheelchair accessible room, bringing service animals, etc.)

Yes
No

Please describe any needed accommodations:

Other Information

Please inform us of anything else you may need during your consultation.

Thank you for your interest in visiting Special Collections! Once your request form is submitted, a staff member will contact you within a few business days.

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University Libraries - Special Collections and Archives - Schedule a Special Collections and Archives Service

Please note that Special Collections is booked for instruction sessions through November 2025. The earliest we can accommodate classes for the Fall semester is December 1st, 2025. Iowa Women’s Archives is still accepting class requests prior to December 2025.

Please select one of the following Special Collections services:

Schedule an Iowa Women's Archives Class

Schedule a Special Collections Class

Session Information

Scheduling Information

Assignments

Accommodations

Other Information

Schedule an Event

Contact Information

Event Information

Scheduling Information

Accommodations

Other Information

Schedule a Small Group Material Consultation

Contact Information

Consultation Information

Scheduling Information

Accommodations

Other Information