JCU Special Collections

Using Special Collections

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.

Reading Room Guidelines

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.

Copyright Notice

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.

Community Expectations

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:

• Treat you with respect and communicate clearly our policies on our website and in conversation with you.
• Protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted or transmitted, in alignment with the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics.
• Cultivate and celebrate diversity in our collections and our community to construct a more inclusive environment and experience.

We expect you to:

• Respect library policies and follow the instructions of library employees (from student employees to the director) regarding access to and the use of library resources.
• Respect the comfort, privacy, and safety of fellow library users and library staff. If your behavior is making others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, we’ll communicate with you about the impact of your behavior to resolve the situation.
• Ask us for help and bring any questions or concerns to our attention.

If you are not meeting our expectations, we will let you know. If we’re not meeting yours, please let us know.

Handling Special Collections Materials

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:

• Use a pencil, not a pen, marker, or other permanent writing instrument
• Use clean, dry hands to handle paper materials (gloves are only needed if you are working with photos)
• Do not rest arms, laptops, archival containers, or other materials on top of collections
• Keep materials in order within folders
• Let us know if you notice an item has unexpected damage or is in need of extra support (such as a book cradle)
• Ask if you have questions about handling or would like an extra hand to photograph materials