Visitors

Although we do not circulate any of our material to our visitors, we welcome you to our libraries and will be happy to assist you in using our collections while you are in the buildings. All of our book and periodical stacks are open for browsing. Our electronic subscriptions are generally available for your use while you are in the building. Our online catalog is freely available on the Web wherever you have Web access. You will know that you have landed on restricted access when you are prompted for a username and password. If there is something you would like to check out from our collections, please go through your local public library and take advantage of its interlibrary loan program.  

Local Area Residents

We encourage local residents to obtain borrowing privileges at the Grinnell College Libraries - requirements:

  • Of at least high school age
  • Live within 20 miles of Grinnell College
  • Have a Drake Community Library Card (Grinnell Public Library)
  • Have a valid email address

Please bring your Drake Community Library card (the wallet-sized one, not the keychain card) to the Burling Library circulation desk to set up a patron record.  A Grinnell College Libraries barcode will be affixed to your card.  All checked out materials are subject to immediate recall if needed for Course Reserves.

Books

Books circulate for two weeks. If your book has not been requested by a member of the campus community, you may renew books by phone (269-3350) or online using your Grinnell College Libraries bar code.  Local area residents may check out up to 10 books at one time.

Course Reserves

You may check these books out only if you are enrolled in a Grinnell College course.

Videos and CD's

This collection, located in both the Burling Library Media Room and the AV Center in ARH, is reserved for members of the campus community although it is possible to use material in the Media Room if you can leave appropriate security. Please see the Media Room supervisor for assistance.

Periodicals (magazines and journals)

You may use periodicals while in Burling or the Science Library. They may not be checked out.

Reference Materials

This is a noncirculating collection. Please see a research librarian for assistance.

Special Collections

Special Collections, located in the Iowa Room, includes the Iowa Room (a collection of faculty, staff, and alumni publications), Rare Books, and the Archives collections. These are noncirculating collections. Please visit the Iowa Room and speak with the Archivist and Special Collections librarian for assistance in using this collection.

Maps and Atlases

This is a noncirculating collection. Please see a research librarian for assistance.

Microfilm

This is a noncirculating collection. Please see a research librarian, circulation desk supervisor, or student assistant for assistance.

Newspapers

This is a noncirculating collection. Please see a research librarian for assistance.

Curriculum Library

This collection is primarily intended for students enrolled in education courses and student teaching.