High School Group Visits

Welcome! Though our main priority is to meet the research needs of Cleveland State University students and faculty, the Library welcomes school groups (grades 9-12), and encourages them to come for a tour or library instruction.

School groups will benefit more from the experience if they come with an an actual assignment to complete that requires use of our resources. Use of a computer lab or one of our instruction rooms as well as the services of one of our Librarians for instruction can be arranged for your visit.

Scheduling Visits:

• All school group visits must be arranged through Diane Kolosionek, Urban Affairs/Education Librarian.
• Use our Online Form to schedule a visit.
• Please schedule visits at least two weeks in advance.
• Try to avoid scheduling during peak periods of the semester which include the first three weeks of a semester and the last two weeks of a semester (see Academic Calendar).
• Supervision of students is required — one adult should be present for every 15 students.
• Please try to keep groups to 25 students or fewer.

Tips for a Successful Visit:

• Contact the library well in advance.
• Ask about services and resources the academic library is able to provide to high schools.
• Inquire about the most convenient time to schedule the visit
• Be aware of the library’s policies and limitations.
• Come with a clear purpose and express that purpose to the hosting librarian.
• Provide the librarian with a copy of the assignment and discuss the students’ needs.
• Review the assignment students will be working on during their visit before coming to the library for instruction.
• Consider the necessity of borrowing privileges --- Will the students really use them?
• Prepare students for the visit by discussing how academic and school libraries differ, introducing the library’s website, and setting standards for respectful behavior.
• Instruct students to bring their supplies – the assignment, pens, notebooks, note cards, flash drive, money for copies, printing, etc.
• Plan things like parking and lunch ahead of time; ask about available facilities and accommodations.
• Consider spending the day on campus; contact Admissions to schedule a campus tour or for other ideas.

Information for Visitors :

Useful Links :

• The Information Network for Ohio Schools (INFOhio)
• Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) 
• Transitioning to college
• Comparison of AASL and ACRL Information Literacy Standards
• Cuyahoga County Public Library – Getting a Library Card