Special Collections and Archives

The Department of Special Collections and Archives acquires, preserves, and provides access to primary sources and rare materials that support the teaching and research programs of Kent State University.

The non-circulating collections of the Department cover a broad spectrum of topics in a variety of formats including books, manuscripts, and archival materials. Strengths are 19th- and 20th-century British and American literature; 20th-century and contemporary poetry; true crime and the history of crime; theater and the performing arts; and children's literature. There also are significant holdings in the history of books and printing, detective fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and labor history. Archival holdings include the inactive records of Kent State University that have continuing administrative and historical value; a large collection documenting the events and aftermath of the May 4, 1970 shootings at Kent State; and materials that document the history of the City of Kent and Portage County.