Kent State University Special Collections and Archives provides reference, instructional, and outreach programs that support teaching, learning, research, creative endeavors, or just simple curiosity and lifelong learning.

Reference and Research Services

​Our dedicated public services staff provides assistance to both on- and off-site (in-person and virtual) users in accessing materials in Special Collections and Archives. These services range from quick, "ready reference" questions, to long-term, in depth research assistance that can span weeks, months, and even years. Please contact us through our main department phone number or departmental email to initiate a reference or research request.

Customized Instruction Programs
(K-12 and collegiate levels; in-person or online) 

Expose your students to unique primary sources in a wide range of subject areas. We work with Kent State and unaffiliated teachers and faculty members on a continual basis. Depending on curricular needs, most class sessions include hands-on experiences with rare materials and/or primary sources. We also provide basic tours and informational sessions that are not specifically tied to classroom instruction. And, we can provide virtual sessions, if desired.

• Contact Elizabeth (Liz) Campion for May 4 (Kent State shootings) related instruction requests.
• Contact Cara Gilgenbach for any other Special Collections and Archives course instruction requests.

Outreach

Exhibitions and Special Events: We offer exhibitions throughout the year and lecture events on occasion. Learn more about the unique collections available to you through our events programming—all of it free and open to the public. Check our Exhibitions page or our News page for information on this year's events.

Tours: Would you like to schedule a tour for yourself, your unit, a campus visitor, or group? Please contact us in advance. This will give you and your guests the best possible experience. Tours are available to anyone, but advanced scheduling is required.

Social Media: Follow us on our facebook page for information on our unique collections and services.