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John Edwards

Associate Dean for Information Resources and Technology
Director of the Drake Law Library
Professor of Law

515-271-2141
john.edwards@drake.edu

Expertise: Legal Research and Writing, Information Technology

Education

JD, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
MALS, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Library and Informational Science
BA, Southeast Missouri State University

Experience

  • Drake Law School professor since 1984
  • Acting Director of the University of Oklahoma Law Library
  • Program director for legal research and librarian at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law
  • Instructor at Des Moines Area Community College

Selected Publications

  • Basic Legal Research Workbook (co-author) (6th ed., Aspen Publishing, 2025).
  • Iowa Legal Research Guide (William S. Hein & Co., 2003).
  • Emerging Solutions in Reference Services: Implications for Libraries in the New Millennium (Haworth Press, Inc., 2001).
  • Planning and Constructing Law School Buildings: Ten Basic Guidelines, 90 Law Library Journal 423 (1998).

Significant Accomplishments

  • American Association of Law Libraries Hall of Fame, 2021.
  • Outstanding Citizen of the Year for the City of Clive 2019
  • President of Mid-America Law Library Consortium (MALLCO)
  • Mayor (since 2022), Mayor Pro Tem (1998-2005, 2009-2011, 2013-2021), Member (1995-2021) of the Clive City Council
  • Chair of the Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority Board of Trustees
  • Gold medal winner and team captain of West's Law Library Decathlon

Biography

John Edwards’ teaching career has been devoted to helping students understand how to perform effective legal research and marshal those results. He has authored or co-authored multiple texts on legal research, including the Basic Legal Research Workbook used at law schools throughout the nation. At Drake, he has led the Legal Research and Writing program, guided major facility improvements—including the construction of Opperman Hall and renovations to Cartwright Hall—and overseen a distinguished library team recognized for its exceptional service. Throughout his tenure, he has skillfully steered the law library through the evolving landscape of legal information and technology.

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