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Frequently Asked Questions

Services

Can I print at KSL? What does it cost & how do I pay?
KSL computers link to 2 high speed, high volume printers. All printing costs 5 cents a page, and you can pay with with your CaseOneCard, coin, $1 or $5 bills. Printers are on the main floor and second floor, across from the elevators.  For locations, check our Maps.
Can I photocopy at KSL? What does it cost & how do I pay?
KSL photocopiers are on the main floor, third floor, and Lower Level, so you can photocopy books and journals. Copies cost ten cents a page on digital copiers, and you can pay with your CaseOneCard, coin, $1 or $5 bills.  For locations, check our Maps.
How do I know what's new and what new books there are?
Read the KSL News Blog for events, services, tools & more, that help you do research. Find it on the library homepage. New Books can either be an RSS alert for your subject area or you can browse the New Books Display on the 1st floor of the Kelvin Smith Library.
Where do I get change? / Is there a Change machine?
Use your ID as your cash, not coins & bills. KSL does not give change & asks you to plan ahead for printing and copying. The copiers & printers take $1 & $5 bills and coins, and will give change for a copy/print when there is suffficient change in the machine. Plan ahead! Activate your CaseOneCard ID if you are a staff member, faculty, or grad student.
Where are the Bathrooms?
KSL bathrooms are on all floors, always behind the elevators.  Check our  for more information.
How do I get a library card?
Your Case ID is your library card if you are enrolled or employed at Case. The first time you use it, staff will swipe it on a library computer to activate your library account and then you can use your ID at any Case library or OhioLINK member library, if your account is in good standing.
Is there a book drop? Is there a drive-up book drop?
KSL has a book drop in the front of the building, under the covered portico, on the Thwing Center side of the Main Doors. Currently, there is no drive-up book drop. The KSL bookdrop is open when there are no Regular Business Hours–when KSL is open, bring your items to the inside book drops. Videos & DVDs must be returned to staff at the Main Service Desk so the are not damaged in bookdrops.
Can I fax something at KSL?
KSL does not have fax services but Thwing Center, next door, does in Printing Services. Stop in weekdays 8-5:30 p.m. for information about fees, etc.
Does KSL have a SelfCheckout Machine? When can I use it?
KSL’s 3M SelfCheckout machine is on the Main Service Desk and can be used whenever you are in KSL! (You must have used your Case ID card at least once before at a Case library for a regular checkout with staff, so your ID data is swiped into the system.) Use SelfCheckout during 24×7, or whenever you need to save time.
Can I checkout the CPL@Case-KSL books and magazines on the KSL SelfCheckout?
Use the CPL SelfCheckout machine nearby the CPL@Case-KSL collections, with your CPL library card. The KSL SelfCheckout machine reads only Case ID cards and Case barcodes.

Collections

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!
What is and why do I need a Case Account Number for my library account?
Your Case Account Number is part of your network LDAP record and is a unqiue identifier for you. Case libraries stopped using your SS# in 2004 and now your library PIN and Case Account # to identify and protect your information. It is short & easy to remember, and you’ll see a URL to look it up, whenever you need it for security.
Do you have my Textbooks?
Research libraries typically do not buy textbooks since they change too frequently and are not books for long term research. Textbooks are part of your academic responsibility to purchase. Sometimes copies can be found on OhioLINK but they must be returned when they are due.
What does a book on hold mean?
When you get an email or see “1 hold” on your library account, it usually means you asked for a retrieval from the RRCC or Iron Mountain facilities. You also see “hold” on Case and OhioLINK catalogs and then it means that someone else has requested the item as an OhioLINK request/hold.
I just checked out this book and I got a Recall Notice. What does it mean?
Case libraries recall items when they are needed for teaching and Course Reserves, and the recall can occur at any time. Return quickly, to avoid fines.
I'm not done with my book, can I renew it?
Case & OhioLINK books are borrowed for 21-day loan periods & can be renewed up to 4 times if you are a Case individual and if the book has no holds placed on it by someone else–it’s almost a semester's worth! (Faculty have annual fixed due dates with 1 renewal for KSL and Case Law books. All others are standard 21-day loans. .
Can I cancel an OhioLINK book if I don't want it?
If the book is still on your library account as “OL Requested” that means the owning library has not yet processed your request, and yes, you can cancel it. Directions are on the computer screen when you log in to your library account. If the item says “In transit” or “Received” it’s too late to cancel it, but when you get your email notice, just let us know so we can send it back.
How do I use the Archives?
You can request Archives staff assistance in research, or you can visit and use the records, collections, and items that make up the institutional memory of the university. Read more about using University Archives.
What Interlibrary Loan ILLiad services am I entitled to? (Student, Faculty, Alumni)
When Case or OhioLINK can’t get you what you need for research, ILLiad does! KSL supports only requests from individuals in the College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Weatherhead, and Case Central Administration (other Case libraries have ILLiad and support their schools and colleges.) KSL delivers article requests electronically via your . If you’re new, set up your First Time User’s Account today.  ILLiad services are currently offered to alumni with the  membership level.
What are the hours at RRCC and Iron Mountain?
You can make an appointment to do research at the RRCC on Cedar Avenue (1/2 mile from KSL), or you can visit there to check out or read in the new Reading Room. Appointments are required for visits: call 368-4319 for a weekday/daytime visit. The building has some entry restrictions and you may be asked to sign in and show a photo ID.  is in Pennsylvania and items are retrieved for you if you are a Case faculty, student, or staff member.
What's kept at RRCC and Iron Mountain?
Books and journals are kept at RRCC or Iron Mountain, depending on their condition and date of last use.
How do I get things from Iron Mountain / RRCC?
 &  are sites where we keep our lesser-used or brittle items, and items are brought back to KSL upon request–daily or within 24 hours, weekdays. Request items from RRCC via an online request form. Request items from Iron Mountain National Underground Storage from an online form.  RRCC & Iron Mountain books & journals display on the catalog as Ul Storage and Iron Mt, respectively.
Do you have fun books or magazines for casual reading?
The CPL@Case-KSL partnership brings popular books, audio books, magazines, and foreign language magazines to KSL. You can get a CPL card if you are enrolled or employed at Case, and either use the CPL SelfCheckout machine near the collection, or have KSL staff help you check out these items at the KSL Main Service Desk.
Can I check out laptops at KSL?
Wireless iBook laptops are now checked out in the Freedman Center on the main floor. Laptops are a borrowing privilege for faculty, students, and staff with a Case library account in good standing, and a current photo ID.

Research Tools

How Do I get started if I don't have a topic?
Academic Search Premier provides full text journal coverage for nearly all academic areas of study.
How do I decide between Databases & the Internet?
Check out this issue over at OhioLINK.
How do I find popular articles from Magazines or Newspapers?
Check out this issue over at OhioLINK.
How do I find scholarly articles from academic journals?
Check out this issue over at OhioLINK.
How do I choose a database?
Check out this issue over at OhioLINK.
How do I properly credit sources in my research paper?
Check out our  page.
What are Electronic Resources?
Electronic resources are generally considered to be Internet-based or online versions of print journals, newspapers, magazines, books, manuals, and other materials. It should be noted that some journals and databases are now published in electronic format only. This trend is expected to continue.
What are electronic or ejournals?

An electronic journal (ejournal, e-journal, ej, etc.) is a digitized or online version of a printed journal, such as the Physical Review A. Like most ejournals, this journal exists in both print and electronic formats. Collectively, the Case libraries provide access to thousands of electronic journals. This includes journals that are licensed independently by the Case libraries, journals in the OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center, and a select number of journals that are freely available over the World Wide Web.

Users should be aware that many titles licensed by Case are not accessible from the OhioLINK EJC. An example of this is Science Online, the Web version of Science Magazine.

What are research databases?

A database is a collection of information organized into a particular format. Every item in a database has its own record and each of these records is itself divided into specific fields of information (e.g., author, title, etc.) In this respect, a telephone book can be defined as a database.

An electronic research database is a computerized collection of information in digital format. The Case libraries provide access to several hundred research databases, many of which include the full text of journal and newspaper articles. View Research Databases for a complete list of databases provided by the Case Libraries.

Users should be aware that several titles subscribed by Case are not accessible from the OhioLINK Research Databases list. An example of this is IEEE Xplore. IEEE Xplore provides full text access to IEEE transactions, journals, magazines and conference proceedings published since 1988 and all current IEEE standards.

How do I access the Databases from Home?

If you are a student, faculty, or staff at Case, you may access the databases with software-free remote authentication to OhioLINK electronic databases and journals. When you're away from your own computer or away from campus, logon to OhioLINK and choose a database or electronic journal.

You'll be prompted to enter Case as your school, your name and Case Account Number (your SS# is no longer used), and your library

For current Case enrolled and employed individuals, it's a simple way to have 2 hours of remote access to OhioLINK-only electronic content, and you can reconnect as often as you need to use the reources! Use any computer with a current web-browsr. (Remote authentication to Case-only resources requires VPN software on your computer.) Use PIN authentication for OhioLINK-only resources across the U.S. and around the world!

What are the advantages of electronic resources?
Electronic resources provide some advantages over their print counterparts including ease of access (from home, office, etc.), navigation, and search capabilities. However, as technology develops, other advantages are also rapidly developing. These include the ability to do citation linking, bibliographic management, etc.
What are the disadvantages of electronic resources?
A major drawback of electronic resources is comprehensiveness--electronic resources do not generally date back as far as their print counterparts. However, this is changing as more and more materials are being converted to digital formats. Another drawback is that digital formats can be difficult to read on computer screens, especially if there are multiple pages involved. Generally, people do not find digitized resources as aesthetically pleasing as paper.
What is the best way to use electronic resources in my research?

It is generally advised that you not rely solely on electronic resources if you wish your work to reflect a well rounded view. Use the Web, if you so choose, to supplement your research, but do not ignore the rich and comprehensive collections held by the Case libraries and their affiliates. Also, see the following research aides:


What's not included in the electronic resources collection?
Resources in this collection provide excellent support for Case programs and research. However, please bear in mind that this collection contains only a fraction of the rich and varied materials held by the Case Libraries and their affiliates. Again, please do not rely solely  on electronic resources to meet your research goals.

About Us

What and Where is Siegal?

The notation "Siegal" in the online catalog refers to the Aaron Garber Library of the Siegal College of Judaic Studies at 26500 Shaker Blvd. Cleveland OH 44122. The Aaron Garber Library is the academic library of the College and the central library of the Cleveland Jewish community. It includes 30,000 volumes, plus periodicals, language tapes, music and text CDs in English, Hebrew and Yiddish. The Library's electronic catalog is part of the online library system managed by Case Western Reserve University, and is included in OhioLINK, the statewide electronic academic catalog system. Online borrowing privileges are reserved for students registered at Siegal College. Community members are welcome to browse the catalog, visit the Garber Library and borrow materials.

For further information, contact by email, or call 216-464-4050 x131 or 132.

Talk With Us

How do I request that a book (journal, DVD, etc) be purchased for the library?
Choose the "Talk With Us" menu and select the "Suggestion for Purchase" item. The more detailed information you give us about your purchase suggestion the easier it will be to follow up with your request.
I have a complaint. Whom do I talk to?
Any staff member at the Main Service Desk or the Reference Desk will try to resolve your concern. If they are not able to do so, they will refer you to the appropriate library manager for further attention. You can also send a written comment to the library by choosing the "Talk with Us" menu and selecting "Contact Us." Written comments are handled promptly, usually within one or two business days.

Other

Can I print in color?
Kelvin Smith Library doesn’t offer color printing. Printing Services located in the basement of Thwing  offers this service.
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