The State Historical Society of Iowa Research Centers lends microfilm of newspapers, census records and other materials listed below to your local library. Other collections, including books and printed materials, are only available at the Research Centers. However, materials may be sent to the center that is most convenient for you.
How to Make a Request
Identify the microfilm you wish to borrow and which Research Center (Des Moines or Iowa City) holds a copy. Ask your local library staff to make an interlibrary loan request on your behalf, using the form below. Typically, the local library will ask you to make payment at that time.
Following the submission of the Interlibrary Loan request by the local library staff, State Historical Society of Iowa staff will contact them to review the request within five business days. The library that submits the request will also need to complete and send to historical society staff an American Library Association (ALA) approved interlibrary loan form prior to the fulfillment of the loan.