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Community Outreach
Community Outreach @KSL is a service of the Kelvin Smith Library of Case Western Reserve University. The Kelvin Smith Library (KSL) provides several programs including the following.
Partnering for Information Literacy
KSL partners with local schools and community groups to provide 21st Century Literacy skills training. 21st Century Literacy skills are those competencies that enable individuals to succeed in our technology-based environment. Components of 21st Century literacy include:
- Information Literacy--the ability to critically select, evaluate, and use information.
- Technology literacy--the ability to use computers and other devices to access, synthesize, and distribute information.
- Media literacy--the ability to use and create media content.
- Ethical responsibility--the competence to recognize and acknowledge intellectual property.
These skills are essential for success in the digital environment.
Current Partners
- Project Step-Up--KSL is partnering with Case's Project Step-Up to bring the Governor's Initiative for Closing the Achievement Gap program to Case Western Reserve University. KSL and Project Step-UP are providing tutoring and other learning opportunities to Cleveland Metropolitan School District students.
› › See Governor Ted Strickland’s Closing The Achievement Gap Initiative Documentary
- Future Connections--KSL partners in University Circle, Inc.'s (UCI) Future Connections Program. We introduce Cleveland Metropolitan School District juniors and seniors to library and resource management skills.
- Office of International Student Services (ISS). KSL partners with Case's ISS to introduce students to services and resources at KSL.
- Ethnic Studies Program--KSL partners with Case's Ethnic Studies Program to bring area high school students to campus for learning and literacy activities.
Past Partners
- Cleveland School of the Arts--KSL partnered with CSA from 2001 - 2005 and acquired grant funding to equip a computer lab at the school.
- Buhrer Elementary School--From 2002 - 2006, KSL sponsored several learning programs and acquired grant funding to equip a computer lab at the school.
- Mary M. Bethune School--KSL provided training sessions for 7th & 8th grade students during the 2006-2007 academic year.
Other Programs
CPL@Case-KSL --KSL has partnered with the Cleveland Public Library to create CPL@Case-KSL --a collection of popular leisure materials that provides the Case community with books, magazines, and audio books.
Online Exhibit
- AAS@Case--African American Scholars at Case
An online exhibit that focuses on the presence of African Americans at Case Western Reserve University since its inception.
Freely Available Resources for 21st Century Literacy
- Info-Ohio --INFOhio provides access to books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, homework help, and many other resources for OHIO students. Username and password are required for home access. See your parents and school media specialist for information on how to access this valuable resource.
- Cleveland Public Library--homework help, books, more
- College Guide
- OhioLINK --freely accessible databases
- Use the Encyclopedia Britannica
- Talk to a librarian online
- Experiments--the T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S project
Resources for 21st Century Literacy
For more information contact Earnestine Adeyemon, Electronic Resources Librarian.
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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 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.