We offer tours and research visits of Parks Library by request. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.  

Every effort will be made to accommodate tour and research visit groups, but we reserve the right to decline a tour or research visit if there are scheduling conflicts or insufficient notification time for necessary arrangements.

To request an Parks Library tour or research visit, please contact Emily Simmons at least two weeks in advance, emsimmon@iastate.edu or 515-294-0413. University Museums staff may provide tours of artwork in the Library.

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Tours

Tours of Parks Library are typically 15 to 30 minutes long and include a general orientation to the library, its collections, services, and selected artwork. Tours do not normally include research instruction such as database demonstrations, and the library does not offer tours for elementary school classes.

Research visits

Research visits are longer visits for groups such as high school classes who want to learn about and use our building and services. These visits may include research instruction if requested.

Visiting high school classes planning a research day in the ISU Library should make arrangements well in advance. The Library does not offer tours for elementary school children.

High school groups are welcome to schedule visits to Parks Library.

Self-directed groups

If you plan to visit without the help of a librarian, you can:

  • Use public computer stations
  • Log on to wireless network with guest access
  • Explore the stacks

Librarian-led groups

If you would like to have a librarian lead help with you research visit, we will:

  • Explain research methods
  • Provide an introduction to accessing and using online and print resources
  • Show your group around the library
  • Reserve a classroom or computer lab for students to work in

Scheduling your research visit

At least two weeks before the date you want to visit, send an email to Emily Simmons, emsimmon@iastate.edu.

Whether you self-directed or librarian-led, provide the following information in your email:

  • Size of your group
  • Preferred dates and times
  • Alternate dates and times

If you would like a librarian to work with you, please provide this extra information: 

  • The specific purpose or intended learning outcomes of your visit
  • Examples of student research topics

We will do our best to accommodate your request! 

Learn more about the library building

Use Quick Search to browse books and other resources before your visit.

Contact staff at the Main Desk to ask about checking out books for your group.

Printing, scanning, and copying

Maps, Directions, and Parking

Read our food and drink and our noise policies (spoiler: you don't have to be completely silent in the library!).