Special Collections at the Michael Schwartz Library

Home of Cleveland Memory.org

Discover Cleveland history, rare and unique research materials, and University Archives resources at the Michael Schwartz Library.

About Special Collections

We preserve and share our local history materials, supporting and connecting Cleveland State students and faculty with expert research support, while welcoming scholars, local historians, and visitors worldwide. We're proud to be the physical home of ClevelandMemory.org, a free digital archive of Northeast Ohio history, built in collaboration with community partners.

Local History Research Services

We’re happy to help with questions about local history research and Special Collections materials.

Start your research with recommended local history sources, search strategies, and library guidance for exploring Cleveland and regional history.

Browse All Collections

Our collections focus on Cleveland history, with particular strengths in the industrial history of Northeast Ohio, Cleveland journalism, and the city’s built environment and infrastructure. Browse descriptions, finding aids and collection records for manuscripts, maps, archives, and other primary source materials held by Special Collections.

University Archives

Special Collections also houses University Archives: materials documenting Cleveland State University and its predecessor, Fenn College. Explore this rich institutional history through bulletins, schedules, yearbooks, newspapers, budgets, and more.

Contact Special Collections

Ask a question, share a comment, or request a consultation using our web form.

Ordering Reproductions

Request scans and digital reproductions through the library’s ordering form, and review copyright guidance for publication and reuse.

The Cleveland Digital Library

Visit the archived Cleveland Digital Library site for additional digital local history content and discovery pathways.

A Love Letter to Cleveland

Learn more about the mural outside Special Collections, the remarkable artists who created and donated it, and its connection to this space and our city.

Visit the reading room

The Special Collections reading room is located on the third floor of the Michael Schwartz Library in RT 321.

For directions to the building, see Library Directions.

Special Collections is currently closed to the public due to multiple retirements. Please use the contact form or email special.collections@csuohio.edu to ask questions or schedule a consultation.

Using the collections

Special Collections materials are available for research use, but some items may require staff assistance, special handling, or have access restrictions based on condition, legal considerations, or donor requirements.

Materials do not circulate, and some formats may be used only in designated areas or with additional handling guidance.

For fuller details about access, handling, copying, and research support, please see Reading Room Procedures.

Book cover for The History of the Veterans Memorial Bridge: 90th Anniversary Edition by William Beyer.

Available for purchase

The History of the Veterans Memorial Bridge: 90th Anniversary Edition by William Beyer contains hundreds of glossy photographs documenting the original construction of the bridge and its two major rehabilitations.

Find out how to purchase a copy.