The ReciproCard Report: Iowa
Overview
Almost every library in Iowa shares one big catalog. 481 of the 493 libraries here that use Libby are on Bridges, which means most people in the state are already looking at the same collection.
Because of this, a second card from another Iowa library often won't add anything new. Most libraries here pull from the same collection. The systems that run their own separate catalogs are the exceptions.
Libraries and Libby Participation
Library systems: 505
On Libby: 493 (97.6%)
Not on Libby: 12
The ones not on Libby: Bettendorf Public Library Information Center, Cantril Public Library, Hillsboro Public Library, Lakin Library & Envisioning Center, Melvin Public Library, Milford Memorial Library, Milton Public Library, Moorhead Public Library, Rembrandt Public Library, Soldier Public Library, Stockport Public Library, Washington Free Public Library.
Not every library system uses Libby. Some offer digital borrowing through other services, and a few haven't adopted a digital platform yet. This report only covers libraries that are on Libby.
Unique Catalogs
Iowa has 7 catalogs total, but the distribution is uneven. One covers the large majority of libraries and the rest are significantly smaller.
A shared digital catalog, sometimes called a consortium, is a collection of ebooks and audiobooks that multiple library systems fund and share together. Each catalog listed below is a separate collection. Libraries that belong to the same one are all drawing from the same pool of books.
Catalogs
| Catalog | Library systems |
|---|---|
| Bridges | 481 |
| Metro Library Network | 3 |
| Digital Johnson County | 3 |
| Cedar Falls and Waterloo Public Libraries | 2 |
| RiverShare Libraries | 2 |
| Carnegie-Stout Public Library | 1 |
| Des Moines Public Library | 1 |
A shared catalog is what happens when a group of libraries pool their money and buy one collection together. It's why a small-town library in Iowa can offer a collection far bigger than it could ever afford alone. The flip side is that pooling makes everyone's collection identical, so there's less to gain by collecting cards.
What's Actually Available
New card opportunities: 0
A new card opportunity is any time a library system's cardholders can access a Libby catalog they don't already have, as identified by ReciproCard. These come from Libby partnerships (where your existing card works at another library's catalog), reciprocal agreements (where you apply for a free card at another system), and statewide programs (where a library is open to all residents regardless of location). ReciproCard filters out duplicate catalogs, so each opportunity listed here represents access to a genuinely different collection. Keep in mind that ReciproCard only tracks agreements that include Libby access. Many libraries have reciprocity for physical books but not Libby, and those aren't counted here.
None yet. I haven't confirmed a single agreement or partnership in Iowa, which given how concentrated the state is may well be accurate. It may also just mean nobody's told me. If you know of one, send it over and I'll add it.
How Iowa Compares
- 3rd of 51 for number of library systems (505).
- Tied for 28th of 51 for separate Libby catalogs (7).
- Largest catalog: Bridges (481 libraries).
Explore Other States
Haven't Searched Your Own Library Yet?
This report gives you the statewide picture, but your results depend on your local system. If you haven't already, enter your home library system in the search above to see what cards you might be eligible for.