Reference Policy

While we hope that you will be able to visit our reading rooms in person, we recognize that some researchers require access to our materials but are unable to travel to Des Moines or Iowa City. 

There is no charge to request that our reference staff check our card catalogs to determine if we have resources available for your topic.  You may contact us with this type of question via e-mail, telephone, or mail.

If you wish to know specific information contained in one of our items such as a specific newspaper article, a specific name in a book, or information on a specific event we require a basic research fee.  A payment of $15 is required in advance before we can begin your request.  Please note this fee covers up to 30 minutes searching time, up to 10 photocopies and postage if we are able to find anything.  Additional research, copy, and postage fees will be billed as necessary.

A research request form is available here for your convenience.

Please do:
Write legibly.
Include your name and address.
Ask a specific question about a single individual or event.
Provide a date and location (city or county) of event.
Provide type of record you are looking for.

Please don’t:
Send pedigree or family tree charts and ask for the staff to fill in the blanks.
Ask for “everything” we can find.
Send a blank check or cash through the mail.

An alternative to a research request is to ask your local library to borrow our newspapers and census materials on microfilm through interlibrary loan.   

If a request is determined to require more research than our staff is able to provide, we will send you a list of private researchers you may contact.

Requests should be sent by mail to:

State Historical Society of Iowa
Library
600 East Locust Street
Des Moines, IA  50319
            or
State Historical Society of Iowa
Library
402 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, IA  52240

Download the research form.

Reference Services & Fees*

Research inquiries, minimum research charge (payment in advance)  $15.00

• Includes up to 30 minutes of staff time, up to 10 photocopies, and postage/handling.

Research inquiries, after first 30 minutes  $15.00/each additional 30 minutes

• Additional copies beyond 10 pages will be charged at $.25 per page.
• Postage and handling will be charged in addition to research and copy fee at the following rates.

                11-25 copies…….. additional $1
                26-50 copies…….. additional $2
                51-100 copies…… additional $3
                101-150 copies….. additional $4

• Minimum research fee of $15.00 (see above) must be paid in advance.  Additional fees will be billed.  When submitting your request, please indicate the maximum amount you are willing to spend for your request.
• Researchers with lengthy requests (over 2 hours) will be provided a listing of private researchers.

Certificate of Service for veterans of Civil War, Mexican War, or Spanish American War   First copy, $25.00  Each additional copy, $10.00 each.

• Available from the State Archives, 600 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50319.

Professional Researchers List  is free

Photocopy Fees*

Exact citation required. 
Photocopies (8 ½ x 11)   $.25

Photocopies (8 ½ x 14, 11 x 17)  $.50

• All copy requests, after first 75 copies will be charged a $15.00 service fee for each additional increment of 75 copies.
• Maximum of 300 copies per request.

Postage & handling for photocopies by mail

• Minimum charge, 1-15 pages  $3.00  
• Each additional 15 pages  $1.00

FAX transmittal, per page (plus cost of photocopies)  $1.00