Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center is located on the second floor of the Main Library. We collect, preserve, and provide access to extensive local history and genealogical collections. Special Collections hold the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society Collection and the Richardson-Sloane Genealogical Library.   


We collect materials in a variety of formats. They include manuscript materials, books, images, maps, architectural drawings, local newspapers, and vital records. All are open to the public for education and research.

Drawing of 19th century downtown Davenport.

Special Collections Contact Information

Please contact us to make an appointment. Appointments are encouraged but not required. If you are unable to visit in person, we offer research and record/image reproduction services for a fee:

DAVENPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY Fee Schedule (PDF).

Hours for Special Collections may be found on our “Hours & Location” page: https://www.davenportlibrary.com/about-us/hours-and-locations

Using Materials in Special Collections

Materials may be used only in the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. Please help us preserve our materials by respecting these guidelines:

  • Wash and dry hands before handling materials. Please do not use hand lotion or hand sanitizer.
  • Use a locker for personal items
  • Use pencils only (no pens)
  • Use materials on a table or other flat surfaces
  • Leave food or drink with staff at the service desk
  • Place used materials on green carts

Some materials may require special care. Staff will inform you of any additional handling guidelines when you arrive.

Digital scanners are available. Please bring a flash drive with you. Please be aware that some materials may be too fragile or unstable to safely reproduce. Staff will assist or provide options if this is the case. Smaller files may also be sent via email. Federal copyright law applies to scanned materials.

Most materials may be photographed using a phone or digital camera. Please turn the flash off before taking photos.

You may use a personal laptop in Special Collections. A limited number of outlets are available.

Permissions for Use

Library staff must approve Special Collections material in publications. Please cite materials as follows: [Identification of Item], [Collection Name], [Collection #], Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center, Davenport Public Library, Davenport, Iowa.

Please note that in many cases, Davenport Public Library does not hold the copyright to the materials in its possession. It is the responsibility of the researcher to investigate the copyright status of the desired material and to secure any necessary permissions from the copyright holder.

If materials are used in publications, the author/publisher is requested to donate a copy to The Library.

Donations

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center accepts donations of local history and genealogy materials. Please review the Collection Development Policy (PDF) before requesting to donate materials.

Please contact the Special Collections Department at 563-326-7902 or specialcollections@davenportlibrary.com.