Visiting the Reading Room
Visiting the Library Reading Room
Lucy Shelton Caswell Reading Room at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
The Lucy Shelton Caswell Reading Room is where researchers can access the library’s rare and unique collections. As one of the Special Collections Libraries, researchers will be asked to sign-in and complete a Registry Form prior to accessing the collections. The library’s materials must be used in the reading room and are not able to leave the facility. Use of the reading room is intended for those using the library’s rare collections. You do not need to be affiliated with the University in order to access the collections.
Research appointments are highly encouraged as the reading room is occasionally closed for classes and special events. Additionally, some materials are stored off-site and require two business days for delivery. Appointments are required when more than ten items are requested for review.
Planning Your Research Visit
Prior to visiting, please check the current hours and closures.
Appointments are highly encouraged to ensure availability of materials. For requests in excess of ten items, appointments will be required. Please email cartoons@osu.edu to schedule an appointment.
To get started, contact library staff for help to find and select materials for your research. Please contact us at cartoons@osu.edu.
Prepare and send a list of the materials that you want to view in advance of your visit.
To find items relevant to your research:
- For published materials, including books and serials, check the Library catalog
- Send us the title, author, location and call number.
- For original art, including hand-inked pages, check the Art Database
- Send us the title, creator, date and finding number.
- For archival collections, including newsprint and correspondence, check the Archive and Manuscript Collections
- Send us the Collection title, Box/Folder#, Folder title, and date.
Prepare a list of items and send the request list to cartoons@osu.edu. We recommend referring to the Materials Request Form Guide to aid in the request process.
Prior to your visit, please review our material use guidelines to help us preserve and protect our materials.
Day of Your Research Visit
We are located on The Ohio State University’s Columbus Campus in Sullivant Hall. The main entrance for the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is located on the north side of the building. The Lucy Shelton Caswell Reading Room (Room 100) is located on first floor and to the west side of the lobby.
Sign in to the reading room log book upon entry. Complete the Special Collections Registration Form and present a current photo ID to complete the patron registry process. The Special Collection Registration Form is valid through the end of the current calendar year.
Researchers will be asked to start with clean hands. Restrooms are located on the second floor. Do not use hand sanitizer or lotion prior to your appointment.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the reading room.
All personal belongings must be stored in the assigned lockers provided (located just outside the library doors).
- Items permitted in the library reading room:
- Laptop or tablet or notebook; charger; pencil; headphones; wallet; and cell phone (on silent).
- Items not permitted in the library reading room and should be stored in locker:
- Coats; jackets; unworn clothing; handbags; backpacks; briefcases; packages; umbrellas; pens; and unused technology cases
There are a limited number of electrical outlets in the reading room, so you may wish to bring a fully charged laptop.
Additional Information
-
Using Materials
You are permitted one item at a time. As you finish viewing each item, you may return it to your book truck in exchange for another. If you would like to page additional items, there may be limitations to paging materials the same day. Please ask staff for assistance.
Please note that materials must be viewed in the reading room and cannot be checked out.
-
Reproductions
If you are interested in requesting reproductions, refer to the Research & Reproduction Services page. While conducting research, you may want to list the corresponding items for reproduction including the item title, location as well as to flag the item for reproduction.
-
Computer Access
Bring your own laptop, tablet or smartphone.
One public computer will be available.
Instructions for wireless access can be found through Ohio State University Wi-Fi services. Wi-Fi networks are maintained by the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (OTDI).
Ohio State University Wi-Fi Services -
Wrapping Up
When you have completed researching for the day, please inform the library staff that you have finished. You will be asked to sign out of the reading room logbook. Staff reserve the right to review belongings before researchers exit the reading room.