Usage Policies

Policies for Using Materials in Special Collections and Archives

Materials in Special Collections and Archives do not circulate. They must be used on-site in our reading room located on the 12th floor of the Kent State main campus library. (See Reading Room policies below.)
Materials will not be sent to off-site users through interlibrary loan. However, off-site users may request photocopies or other reproductions of materials. All requests are subject to the Department's Duplication Policy.
In general, materials in collections that are not yet processed (e.g. not cataloged, indexed, or otherwise organized for public use) are not available for research.
Classes or other groups wishing to visit Special Collections and Archives as a group, need to contact the Department in advance to schedule an appointment.

During the regular fall, spring, and summer sessions, in-person reference services are available Monday-Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary during these hours. When staffing allows, appointments may be made for morning hours Monday-Friday. No weekend or evening appointments are available. The Department requests that appointments be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance so that staffing arrangements can be made.
During official University holidays, breaks, and intersessions, the Department is closed to the public.
Persons requiring intensive, long-term research assistance, or those travelling from out-of-town, should notify the Department of their needs and plans at least 24 hours in advance of their visit. This policy also applies to film crews and other media organizations requiring assistance with materials in Special Collections and Archives.
Some collections are stored in an off-site storage facility and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Call or email Department staff for details.
Off-site users may request reference and research assistance. The Department does not currently charge an hourly fee for research services, and reserves the right to limit or refuse such requests due to staffing and time limitations.

Users must register annually with the Department and provide a valid photo ID in order to use materials.
Food, drink, and smoking are prohibited in the reading room.
Coats, bags, and backpacks must be stored on the coat rack in the reading room.
Stacks are closed. Staff members will retrieve all materials requested.
In order to protect rare and unique materials, the use of pens and markers is prohibited. Pencils and a pencil sharpener are available.
Use of post-it notes to mark pages is prohibited. Paper slips are available for this purpose.
Photocopies are made by staff members only. The fee is ten cents per copy and payment can be made by cash or check.
Use of cell phones in the reading room is prohibited. Cell phones may be used in the hallway outside of the reading room area.