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Special Collections: Services

Point of contact: Special Collections Reference Desk (kslspecialcollections@case.edu). 

Specialized Reference Services 216.368.0189

The Special Collections Research Center offers specialized research and reference services tailored to the needs of faculty, staff, students and visiting researchers. Assistance is given for research needs such as navigating the library catalog, using the digital collections, requesting photocopies, photographs and digital images as well as help with specific problems such as the location of primary source materials. Desiderata lists of scholarly materials may be submitted to the department for consideration for acquisition.

Duplication Services

Photocopying, scanning and digital photography are options available to patrons wishing duplicate copies of Special Collections materials. Permission to exercise these options will depend on the condition of the item and on present copyright laws. Photocopy and scanning services will be done by members of the Special Collections staff during departmental hours of operation. Photocopies are 10 cents per page for CWRU students, faculty and staff and 25 cents for non-university affiliated patrons. Scanned items are made at the discretion of the Special Collections staff with fees determined by The Kelvin Smith Library Scanning Fee schedule. Digital photography is permited at the discretion of the Special Collections staff; there is no fee for digitial photography conducted by patrons.

Conduct a Class in the Hatch Reading Room

Faculty are encouraged to schedule class meetings in the Hatch Reading Room to take advantage of the rich resources found in the Center’s rare books, manuscripts and special collections. Classes may be developed with customized bibliographies compiled for focused subject access to the collection.

Email Point of Contact: Special Collections Reference Desk 

 

 

Special Collections Home Page | Contact Information | Policies | Finding Aids 

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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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