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Special Collections: General Information


Staff

Sue Hanson, Head of Special Collections
Phone: (216) 368-0189
Email: norma.hanson@case.edu
Fax: (216) 368-6950

Eleanor Blackman, Archivist
Phone: (216) 368-6504
Email: eleanor.blackman@case.edu
Fax: (216) 368-6950

Mailing Address

Special Collections Research Center
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7151

Delivery Address

Kelvin Smith Library
11055 Euclid Avenue

Hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. When possible, please call ahead (216) 368-2993 to schedule an appointment so we will be better able to assist you.

History of the Collection

A large portion of the Center’s holdings were part of the original collections of the library of Western Reserve College, which began in Hudson, Ohio in 1826 as well as the libraries of the Case School of Applied Science. Over 80% of the books found in the Western Reserve College library have been identified and moved to Special Collections. Gifts from generous donors have also increased and enriched the collections. The rare book collection contains volumes that were donated by prominent Clevelanders, including Mrs. Dudley Blossom, Alan Dudley Severance and Newton D. Baker among others.

The Henry R. Hatch Reading Room, located in Special Collections on the second floor of Kelvin Smith Library is named in memory of Henry Reynolds Hatch, a prominent Cleveland businessman and philanthropist who was a generous supporter of both Western Reserve University and Adelbert College.

Gifts and Donations

The Head of Special Collections welcomes inquiries from individuals and organizations interested in donating materials that will enhance the research value of the collections or who want to support the collection in other ways. The great richness of the collection is due directly to the widely varying interests and generosity of the donors: collectors, philanthropists, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University.

Special Collections Home Page | Collections | Services | Policies | New Acquisitions | Finding Aids | Exhibits 

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Collections FAQ

Why isn’t the book on the shelf?

Find out where a book is before you go to the shelf. Search the Case Catalog to see what it says like
- "Check Shelves" (look on the shelves, find it, & check it out);
- "Just Checked In" (ask staff for help, it's nearby, but too soon to be back on the shelves yet);
- "Off Campus" (out at an OhioLINK school);
- "Due mm/dd/yyyy" (it’s checked out until that date.) 
Tip: If it is not available, order an OhioLINK copy

Can I return books to a different Library?

Return Case or OhioLINK items to any Case library, yes. Case libraries have different hours, so your book might not get checked in on the day you return it if you use a bookdrop.

Return the CPL@Case-KSL books only to KSL, so the collection is here for you & others. Case libraries are not responsible for returning other local libraries’ books. Returning public library books here will not check them off of your account at those libraries.

What does "Check Shelves" mean?
"Check Shelves" means it is supposed to be on the shelf. If it isn’t there, double-check what the Case Catalog currently says to make sure that nobody else has checked it out or has kept it out too long.
How long does reshelving take?

The times are different, depending on what is being reshelved and what time of semester it is. KSL goal: to reshelve journals within 24 weekday hours, reshelve books within 48 hours. During peak times (end of semester) the time can be longer. Ask staff at the Main Service Desk for help.

How do I reserve a book?

Books are on the shelves for anyone who needs them, and are not reserved for individual use. If our book is checked out, order a copy from the OhioLINK.

Where are the UL Storage Stacks?
KSL has a university center half a mile from KSL, where lesser used or brittle books are kept, and the catalog search screen will display “UL Storage.” You can visit the Center during daytime hours, or use an online request form to bring back the item to KSL. The center is now called RRCC (Retrospective Research Collections Center.)
Can I get a book or video on a specific date?
Yes, Case faculty, staff, & students can find out more details and use a convenient online request form for Book a Video or DVD  (KSL’s other collections are available only on a first-come basis for everyone, and cannot be booked ahead of time.)
What does a Book on Order mean? When will it get here?
When the catalog item displays “1 copy ordered for (library name)” the item is already in the library getting the final processing labels, etc., and will soon be on the shelf! Ask staff if there are other copies avaialable in OhioLINK in the meantime, or if you have an urgent need.
What is a PIN?
Your PIN is not assigned, you choose what it is and enter it on the Case Catalog at “View Your Library Record,” following the instructions. A Case Library PIN is a Personal Identification Number that protects your information, just like your bank ATM asks for a similar security PIN.
How do I get a library account & where can I look at it?
Case faculty, staff, and students automatically have online library accounts. You can look at it on the Case Catalog under “View your library record.” Use your library account to renew items on line and keep track of what you have checked out or ordered from OhioLINK or RRCC or Iron Mountain sites. Your Case ID is your library card!

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Kelvin Smith Library | 11055 Euclid Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44106-7151 | 216-368-3506

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