KSL News

Case Community Card @ KSL


The Case Community Card Program gives adult residents of Cuyahoga County the opportunity to purchase a special access card that offers discounts for Case events and services. Dining services, UCI shuttle bus routes, SatCo classes, and discount tickets to Case theater events are some of the benefits of the Community Card program. Additional fee-based opportunities and enrollment applications for the Veale Recreation Center and the Kelvin Smith Library offer other privileges.

Eligible residents (18 years and older,  with photo ID and proof of Cuyahoga County residency) can fill out an application from the Community Card site. You'll be required to show proof of residency when you have a photo taken at the Case Access Services for the require Community Card ID badge.  (Access Services is at Crawford Hall, the tall building on Euclid Avenue, next to Amasa Stone Chapel and is open for card purchase/photos M,W,Th, F 8:30-5pm, and Tuesdays 8:30-6pm. Check for holiday & academic calendar hours exceptions before coming to campus, at 216-368-2724.)

Case Commnity Card holders who wish to borrow books from KSL may combine the Case Community Card  with a purchased Kelvin Smith Library Individual Special Borrower card, at a reduced annual price of $75. Bring your Case Community Card with you and pickup the Individual Community Borrower application at the KSL Main Service Desk. Applications and payment can be made Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the 2nd floor KSL administration office.

KSL Individual Privileges with the Case Community Card


Borrowing privileges extend to circulating book collections at the Kelvin Smith Library. The borrower is responsible for all due dates, renewals, and fines. Journals and books on open shelves may be used within the library.

  • KSL books circulate for 21 days, with up to 4 renewals of 21 days each if there are no other requests for the book.
  • Items may be recalled at any time for faculty Course Reserves. Recall fines are $1.00/day.
  • Overdue fees for most Case items are $.25/day; some items have higher overdue fees and shorter loan periods. More information is available on Fines & Fees.
  • Journals, reference items, and other special materials or formats do not circulate.
  • Videos & DVDs, other media, wireless laptop circulation, and equipment of the KSL Freedman Center are reserved for enrolled and employed Case faculty, students, and staff. (Many of the area's public libraries offer these types of items and services for the general community.)
  • Interlibrary Loan ILLiad services are currently reserved for Case faculty, students, and staff. (Local public libraries or company libraries provide your Interlibrary Loan services.)

Computer, Database & Printer/Photocopier Privileges


  • Computers: Remote access to electronic content is currently restricted to Case faculty, students, and staff and computers require current Case ID & password configurations. Several designated Guest Access computers at the various Case libraries afford visitors the option to view licensed electronic content. Guest Access computers require no login. Guest Access computers are shared resources and your computer time is limited to 15' if others are waiting.
  • Database Content/Usage: Electronic content licenses are for personal educational use only. Computers in the library are for educational research purposes and usage violation may result in revocation of library privileges.
  • Printers/Photocopiers: printer ($.05/page) and photocopiers ($.10/page) accept coin and $1 and $5 bills. (The printers will give coin change for bills, when coins are present in the copiers.) Print all items while you work and then release all prints at the same time on the printer screen by identifying the Guest Access computer number and then inserting coins/cash to print the files. Please come prepared - the library does not give change for printing/copying.
  •  Purchase a plastic vend card to makek your copying & printing easy, and eliminate the need for cash! A Value-Add Transfer card station is next door at Thwing Center, where you may purchase & put money on a plastic card to use at campus stores, food centers, and libraries. KSL keeps a small supply of $5 & $10 cards for purchase, if Thwing Center is closed when you are visiting the library.

Access to Kelvin Smith Library information materials, computers, network and building resources is a privilege.
The KSL Acceptable Use Policy for the use of shared resources in the library is also applicable to non-Case individual borrowers working in the library.
 Anyone may be asked at any time to present a current photo ID.

General questions may be directed to the Kelvin Smith Library Main Service Desk 216-368-3506 or the Contact Us link on the library website.

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.

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