Note: In order to help preserve our important materials,
Special Collections is kept at 65º F (18º C) and low humidity.
It is cold! Wearing layers is strongly encouraged when using our materials.
Special Collections
1 John Carroll Boulevard
Grasselli Library and Breen Learning Center,
Room 324
University Heights, Ohio 44118
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Revised 2 June 2025. Previous revision: 27 March, 2024
Permission to examine special collections will normally be granted to current faculty, staff, students, and alumni/ae of John Carroll University and other qualified researchers for specific purposes. Use of special collection materials is subject to any restrictions that have been placed on a specific collection. Permission to consult does not carry with it permission to publish.
Researchers must read Using Special Collections (this page) and complete the Registration Form prior to gaining access to materials. By doing so, the researcher agrees to the terms and conditions stated.
1. JCU Special Collections materials are to be consulted only in Reading Room (room 324), and do not circulate.
2. Eating and drinking are not permitted.
3. Pencils only may be used in the Reading Room.
4. Personal cameras may be used without flash.
5. To preserve our collections, materials must be handled with care at all times: do not lean on, write on, fold or handle materials in a way that may damage them.
6. Please remove only one folder from a box at a time. Replace all materials in their original order.
7. Use of special formats or fragile materials may require special handling or additional consultation with staff.
8. Large bags and coats are not permitted in the Reading Room and must be stowed in provided cubbies.
Materials in John Carroll University Library (JCU Library) may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the researcher’s responsibility to determine if such rights exist and to obtain permission from the copyright owner to reproduce or otherwise use the materials. The researcher is responsible for securing permission to quote and publish from the copyright owner or his/her heirs in cases where JCU Library holds material as property without at the time holding the literary rights and copyrights vested in them. JCU Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the literary rights and copyrights (other than official records), unless such rights have been specifically transferred by the donor or by the literary heirs. As a condition of use, the researcher assumes full legal responsibility for any infringement of literary, copyright, or publication rights belonging to the author or creator, his/her/their heirs or assigns. See also JCU campus policies on copyright.
Welcome to JCU's Special Collections! We want you to know that our mission as part of John Carroll University means that we are committed to care for the whole person (cura personalis), inclusion, collaboration, curiosity, respect, service, and sustainability as we preserve and provide access to library materials.
We will:
We expect you to:
If you are not meeting our expectations, we will let you know. If we’re not meeting yours, please let us know.
When you are working with art, archival materials, and other rare or unique collections, librarians will let you know the best practices for use. In general if you are working with JCU Special Collections materials, please: