Reference Help

The State Library's subject specialists can help public library reference staff or customers with in-depth medical, legal, government, patent or trademark questions, or questions about Iowa's population. Public library staff can contact us directly or refer customers to us via email, live chat or our toll-free number.

For general, government, management, or Iowa related questions contact the the Main Library:

515-281-4102   or   800-248-4483
Email: is@lib.state.ia.us
Or fill out the reference form:  Ask a Librarian!

For legal questions contact the Law Library:

515-281-5124   or   800-248-4483
Email:   law.library@lib.state.ia.us
Or fill out the legal reference form: Law Library Reference Question Form

For questions about Iowa's population contact the State Data Center:

515-281-4102   or   800-248-4483
Email:  census@lib.state.ia.us

Or fill out the census reference form: State Data Center Reference Form

  

Online Resources

Any Iowan with a State Library card may take advantage of the State Library's online resources. Use your card number to access Proquest, which has full text access to the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Press Citizen and additional databases in EBSOhost that you may not have access to at your library. To find these resources click here, or go to the State Library's home page and click on "Log in to Online Resources" in the left sidebar.