chat offline logo

KSL News

Home > Services > Facilities

Facilities

The Kelvin Smith Library opened in 1996, deliberately sited on the central grid of the campus master plan. KSL consolidated the collections of two former libraries into a building that quickly became known as the Heart of the Campus.

A hallmark of its design initiative was a focus on people as well as materials, offering a wealth of light, open spaces that inspire learning and accomodate collaborative efforts. Plans also focused on incorporating new technologies into the library environment, thinking forward to how people might use the library in the future, and what their tecnological needs and preferences might be in the coming years. NE Ohio press called KSL "the Library of the Future" and it was highlighted in the feature story "Building Libraries for the Information Age," and was the cover of the June 1996 issue of Northern Ohio Live magazine

Kelvin Smith Library serves as the main library for the university, and welcomes all who have research needs. KSL and its branch libraries and satellite collections has a combined collection strength of over 1.7 million items.  It manages collections and services for the College of Arts and Sciences, the Case School of Engineering, and the Weatherhead School of Management.

Building Features:

Researchers enjoy a variety of study spaces, collections,  and services that include:

  • 1,300,000 monographs, 7,500 serial titles, U.S. Government reports, 16,000 media & more
  • collections housed on 30 miles of compact movable shelves to maximize space
  • 300+ databases and 35,000 electronic journals
  • varied seating styles for 900, study tables & carrels with ethernet and electrical capability
  • a wireless network throughout
  • group study rooms
  • Center for Statistics &Geospatial  Data (text/data integration), GIS, large format printer
  • Samuel B. & Marian K. Freedman Digital Library, Language Learning and Multimedia Center on the main floor of KSL, a partnership between the  Kelvin Smith Library & the College of Arts and Sciences
chat offline logo

Services FAQ

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.

View All FAQs

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

This web site and all of its contents are © The CWRU. All Rights Reserved.