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Kelvin Smith Library

William "Bill" Claspy showcases vintage book with two members of the CWRU community.
CWRU’s William Claspy to retire after nearly four decades of service at campus libraries
After 37 years of dedicated service, the Kelvin Smith Library community bids a fond farewell to William “Bill” Claspy, who will retire tomorrow (Oct. 3)—the same day he celebrates his work anniversary at Case Western Reserve University. Following in the footsteps of his father—a professor of…
View of study carrels at Kelvin Smith Library.
Apply for a study carrel at the Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University graduate students are encouraged to apply for a Kelvin Smith Library study carrel, which offers space to work quietly and conduct research. Each carrel includes two locking upper bins to store materials during the 2025-26 academic year. Individuals who would like…
An exterior shot of the Kelvin Smith Library building
Explore the updated Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship
The Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship has relaunched for fall semester with a completely reimagined experience in the redesigned Kelvin Smith Library. Members of the Case Western Reserve University community are invited to explore the refreshed physical space on the library’s first floor, as…
welcome desk at freedman center
Freedman Center at KSL Reopens with New Tech, New Space, and New Opportunities to Advance Digital Research and Teaching
The Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship has relaunched for Fall 2025 with an entirely new experience in the redesigned Kelvin Smith Library space. CWRU faculty, students, and staff are invited to visit the updated physical footprint on the first floor of KSL and digital footprint on the library…
Exterior shot of Adelbert Hall in the summer
See an exhibit centered on James Audubon’s Birds of America
Members of the Case Western Reserve University community are invited to experience John James Audubon’s Birds of America through an exhibit at Kelvin Smith Library. First published between 1827 and 1838, Audubon’s Birds of America is renowned for the life-sized prints that detail nearly 435 species…
Exterior shot of Adelbert Hall in the summer
Submit your course reserves requests to Kelvin Smith Library
Kelvin Smith Library is accepting course reserves requests for the fall 2025 semester. Accepted materials include books and audiovisual materials (DVDs, Blu-ray discs and CDs). Requests can be submitted via the form on the library’s website. The course reserves staff members recommend requests…
Photo of person sitting at desk with computers, smiling at camera
Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship Closes July 1 for Updates to Technology and Layout
The Freedman Center for Digital Scholarship in Kelvin Smith Library will close on July 1 and reopen for the Fall 2025 semester with a new layout, upgraded technology, and new services for the campus community. During this period of transition, some specialized services will be unavailable; KSL’s…
Audubon's Birds of America
Prints from John James Audubon's Birds of America on exhibit
John James Audubon’s Birds of America is a landmark work in ornithological illustration, first published between 1827 and 1838. It is renowned for the life-sized prints that detail nearly 435 species of American birds, making it a treasure trove for both art enthusiasts and bird lovers. In…
ksl-summer-feat
New library services platform launches today
CWRU Libraries have transitioned to a new library services platform (LSP). Beginning today (June 23), the search interface for all libraries features a modernized interface with an enhanced user experience to improve search and discovery of library resources. This migration is in collaboration with…
kelvin-smith-library
Kelvin Smith Library introduces AI-powered research assistant
Kelvin Smith Library will introduce Scite, an AI-powered research assistant specifically tailored to Case Western Reserve University students, faculty and staff. Scite empowers researchers by helping overcome writer's block, facilitating quick revisions, and offering customizable citation styles in…