Purpose Statement

Kent State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives acquires, preserves, and provides access to primary sources and rare materials that supports the teaching, learning, and research programs of Kent State University, as well as an international community of users.

The department serves as the institutional memory of Kent State University, collecting university records that have enduring historical significance. An integral part of these archival collections includes papers related to the Kent State Shootings which took place on May 4, 1970.

Current Collecting Priorities

Special Collections and Archives has established collecting priorities based on existing strengths, responsiveness to research needs, and emerging areas of interest. The subjects outlined below reflect our current priorities for collecting.

British and American Literature

Special Collections and Archives maintain strong holdings in British and American literature, particularly in 20th century American poetry. Based on these areas of strength, collecting priorities emphasize comprehensive coverage of major authors, including first and subsequent editions published by the author(s), uncollected writings, and significant biographical and manuscript materials.

History of the Book

Special Collections and Archives maintain holdings in the history of the book, printing, publishing, and the book arts. Strengths include materials related to bookmaking, publishing trade, bookplates, incunabula, and fore-edge paintings. The department selectively acquires work representing local and historical presses and printers.

Local History (Kent)

Special Collections and Archives prioritizes the documentation of local history, with a primary focus on the city of Kent. Materials outside of this scope are acquired more selectively and remain secondary to the local emphasis.

Primary areas of focus include personal papers of notable individuals, and records of selected businesses and organizations, with direct ties to the city of Kent. Acquisitions are made strategically and in coordination with peer institutions to avoid duplication and ensure comprehensive regional coverage.

Kent State Shootings (May 4, 1970)

Due to the historical significance of the Kent State Shootings on May 4, 1970, Special Collections and Archives prioritizes the comprehensive documentation of the events surrounding May 4, 1970. The department actively acquires records that document the events leading up to the shootings, day-of events, and their immediate and long-term aftermath on local, institutional, and national levels. Collecting efforts include seeking first-hand eyewitness accounts to be permanently archived as part of the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project.

True Crime

The Crime Collection, established in 1990 by donors, Albert I. and Helen Borowitz, centers on true crime in the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, England, and France. This extensive collection emphasizes the impact of crime on art, literature, film, popular culture and social sciences. Collecting interests include true crime fiction and non-fiction, as well as ephemera that support the study and research of criminal cases, their broader social context, the impact of crime on victims, and local crime history.

University Archives

The University Archives acquires, preserves, and provides access to the historical records of Kent State University. This includes records of enduring value from all KSU campuses and units regardless of format.

Primary areas of focus include academic and non-academic unit administrative records, university photographs, university publications, athletics, student organizations, distinguished faculty papers, and alumni papers specific to a student’s activities while at KSU or involvement with KSU post-graduation.

Out of Scope

Special Collections and Archives considers the following records to be out of scope:

• Duplicative or non-unique materials (e.g. photocopies, facsimiles)
• Items with unknown provenance
• Active or non-permanent administrative records
• Sensitive or restricted materials (e.g. SSN, HIPPA, FERPA, financial records)

The University Archives does not maintain records for every student, faculty, or staff member that has been affiliated with Kent State University. In general, Special Collections and Archives is not interested in obtaining artifacts such as mementos, trophies, apparel, and other objects.

Exceptions may be made for materials that enhance existing collections and align with current collecting priorities.

Deaccession

Donated materials may be added to the collections, not added to the collections and properly disposed of, or transferred to another department or institution at our discretion. Materials may not be retained by our department due to pre-existing copies or duplications, preservation concerns, and/or items outside of our collecting scope.