Archives of Iowa Broadcasting: Home

Archival Use Guidelines

Archival materials are, by their nature, rare, often irreplaceable, and sometimes fragile. The following precautions have been instituted to ensure these objects are protected:

To Safeguard Collections, please do not:

• Bring food or drink into the Archives
• Use pens or ink
• Remove any records from the Reference Room
• Mark, annotate or rearrange original records in any way

Reading Room Etiquette:

• Store all backpacks, computer cases, handbags, coats and other personal belongings
• Be considerate of others using space and refrain from loud or unnecessary conversation
• Do not enter “Staff Only” areas

Careful Handling of Records:

• Please ensure your hands are clean and free from lotions
• Do not lean on, or trace from any records or use them as a support for writing
• If you need to flag a page, paper will be provided to use as a bookmark
• Please maintain the existing order of items in folders and document boxes. Documents must not be marked, rearranged, or removed from their covers
• Inform staff if you wish to request copies of items. You may use your own camera, or staff can photocopy or digitize items for you (fees may apply)

NOTE: It may not be possible at all times to provide appropriate machinery for reading, viewing or accessing non-print materials. We recommend you contact the Archives prior to your visit to ensure the materials you want to view are available.

Required Forms

Research and Duplication Fees

Collection Guidelines

The Archives of Iowa Broadcasting collects audiovisual materials, papers, publications, photographs, artifacts and memorabilia related to television and radio broadcasting in Iowa.

Records can include audiovisual recordings, oral history interviews, corporate records, records of professional organizations, photographs and scrapbooks, schedules and log sheets, and promotional materials and artifacts.

If you aren't sure whether your materials fit our collecting focus, read our Collection Policy for more detail, or contact the Archivist.

AIB also accepts financial donations. Your generous gift will help sustain the Archives of Iowa Broadcasting, assuring that this a one-of-a-kind collection will be available to future generations.

DesMoinesBroadcasting.com: A website dedicated to the history of radio and TV broadcasting in Des Moines and Central Iowa. Experience Des Moines broadcast history in sight and sound! Relive Des Moines radio and Des Moines TV.

Iowa Broadcast News Association: Nonprofit corporation of radio-TV news directors, reporters, producers, public relations professionals and others from Iowa and its adjacent states, working together to improve electronic media news for our stations and the public. 

Iowa Broadcasters Association: Radio and Television Stations working to promote, protect and enhance free over-the-air broadcasting.

Library of Congress Radio Preservation Task Force: RPTF strives to facilitate preservation of, research on, and educational uses of radio recordings held by archiving institutions and private collectors in the United States.

Library of Congress Recorded Sound Research Center: National collection focused on commercial and personal recorded sound materials, including broadcasting.

The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting: Presents and preserves the history of broadcasting, especially in Minnesota. The Museum has gained international recognition for its continuing efforts to preserve and document the history of an industry that has made monumental changes in the fabric of modern life.