Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
We acquire, preserve, and provide access to primary sources and rare materials that support the teaching and research programs of Kent State University. The collections, totaling nearly 21,000 cubic feet, are comprised of sources in all formats including manuscripts, archival materials, and 135,000 books and periodicals. To learn more about our collections, please view our Spotlight on Special Collections exhibit.
News
LGBTQ+ Voices in Special Collections and Archives
During a time when libraries and schools are facing censorship and book banning, particularly of LGBTQ+ literature and authors, this exhibit seeks to highlight some of the many LGBTQ+ authors and their writings in our collection. The authors featured in this exhibit write on a full spectrum of topics, including love, mortality, loss, spirituality, social justice, politics, oppression, family, parenthood, and identity. In doing so, they grant us access to their authentic voices. While this exhibit contains only a small portion of the works by LGBTQ+ authors in our collection, it aims to celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ+ voices in literature.
Welcome, Kristin Silvestro, University Archivist!
Kent State University Libraries Special Collections & Archives is thrilled to welcome Kristin Silvestro as the new University Archivist. Kristin joins our team with nearly 10 years of experience in the archives field. Regarding her new position, Kristin writes, “As the University Archivist, I look forward to working with the rest of the Special Collections & Archives team to improve access to and discovery of previously collected university records, while also working with the campus community to ensure the preservation of the diverse stories of the students, faculty and staff that are happening today.” We look forward to all the work Kristin will do towards collecting, preserving, and providing access to the history of Kent State University.
Read the full press release, or learn more about Kristin’s role and goals as the University Archivist in the Kent Wired article, “New university archivist brings experience, plans for greater engagement.”