On Oct. 22, all academic libraries in Iowa (private, regents, and community colleges) formed the Iowa Academic Library Alliance, and adopted a governance structure. The Alliance looks to build innovative approaches to accessing and maintaining knowledge that will positively impact the learning communities at all of the state’s academic institutions. Cowles Library Dean Rod Henshaw was elected to serve on the Alliance’s Coordinating Committee.

The Alliance complements existing collaborations that Drake maintains with other academic libraries through the Iowa Library Association, the Iowa Private Academic Libraries group, the Central Iowa Collaborative Collections Initiative, and the new Ex Libris Partnership. Collaboration with other libraries is a key strategic approach adopted by Cowles Library. By engaging in collaborations with other academic libraries, Cowles is able to provide access to materials and additional research services that extend well beyond the scope of a single institution’s limited resources.

—Submitted by Marc Davis, Cowles Library