Thompson Special Collections — comprising the Hilandar Research Library, Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute, and the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library — welcome requests for both virtual instructional support and group visits in Thompson Library. If you are interested in discussing how you might integrate collection materials and/or curatorial expertise into your course offerings please contact Lisa Iacobellis, Instructional Services Coordinator, for further information.
We welcome the opportunity to share our diverse collections with The Ohio State University community by hosting classes in the Jack & Jan Creighton Special Collections seminar room (Thompson Library, 105C). Instructional sessions and visits may be requested by the OSU community as well as those unaffiliated with OSU.
Making a Reservation for a Class Visit
We ask that you complete the Class Visit Request Form at least two weeks in advance of your requested visit date (although we strongly recommend you submit your request as early as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts).
Please note that simply filling out the form does not guarantee or “book” the class. Once you have submitted the form, a representative of Thompson Special Collections will contact you to confirm the availability of the classroom and any materials you might request. You must receive confirmation by a representative of Thompson Special Collections.
Class Size and Frequency
Space in the seminar room is limited and alternative locations within Thompson Library may be required for class sessions if the group is large. In addition, while you may request multiple sessions, scheduling conflicts with other classes may require limits may be placed on the number of class meetings held in our facility during one semester. Thompson Special Collections faculty and staff will review your request and provide you with the available options. We will make every effort to meet your instructional needs.
Technology and Equipment
Please coordinate with Special Collections staff to ensure that any equipment you need is available or can be obtained from another area of the Libraries. The following are typically available for class use:
- Digital projector
- A Windows PC
- HDMI and USB ports and cords to connect your own laptop
- Two moveable and zoomable overhead cameras connected to projector
- Tabletop document camera connected to projector
- White board
Collaborating with a Curator
All classes and programs held in the seminar room or involving Thompson Special Collections materials must have a Thompson Special Collections sponsor. Your sponsor would be the curator responsible for those collections being used. If you know who the appropriate sponsor would be, you may contact the sponsor before completing the request form, or you will be contacted by them once they have reviewed your request.
Use of any requested materials is contingent upon consultation with and approval by Special Collections faculty and/or staff who will be able to make suggestions regarding the appropriateness of materials for certain assignments and classes and/or suggest alternatives.
Course Reserves and Student Assignments
If you would like to place Special Collections materials on long-term reserve for class use or if your students will be required (or encouraged) to work with Special Collections materials throughout the course’s duration, please be sure to consult with the appropriate curator responsible for the collections you'd like your students to use, and submit our Course Projects Reservation Form.