Architectural Details


Beyond Kelvin Smith Library's beauty and great interior spaces, its architectural and structural details are of interest to those who experience the KSL spaces. Building features include:

  • post-tensioned steel cable construction, cables suspended in poured concrete & stretched for strength; all concrete was poured on-site
  • KSL rests on caissons for stabilization on the area's water table
  • Indiana limestone facade, quarried from the same site as neighboring buildings as Severance Hall and museums
  • granite base, impervious to snow and freezing conditions
  • solid large front columns (not hollow) are decorative, not structural
  • Vermont slate on main floor and lower portion of the central staircase
  • 30  miles of compact movable shelving; three times the space would have been needed for fixed shelves
  • zoned, dual-digital HVAC system offers a versatile environment for books
  • 2000+ programmed lights, a variety of high efficiency fluorescent & halogen lights in large fixtures, folded tube lights, decorative lighting in study rooms and arc spaces; reset in 2006 to motion and light sensors, to further increase efficiencies
  • thermopane glass designed for low emissions, UV protection
  • Solarfective recessed shades with 4% open area for continued visibility, otpimal protection from heat & glare; on all library windows
  • wiring installed at 5X anticipated capacity for future, under the raised flooring in open areas for flexibility; a wireless network is now installed
  • front ellipse and nearby walkways are maize-colored concrete with varied textures of pavers for visual interest and ADA compliance for surfaces
  • 2-level underground garage; the library is situated on top of this hydrostatic, counter-weighted concrete slab

 

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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 2nd 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 Maps 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.

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