Robert H. Jackson, senior partner at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz PLL in Cleveland and noted writer, speaker and collector of rare books and art, has been appointed Kelvin Smith Library’s first Distinguished Visiting Scholar. His appointment for the 2013-2014 academic year begins Sept. 1.
“This yearlong residency is truly uncharted territory for a library environment and is believed to be one of the first programs of its kind in an academic research library,” said Case Western Reserve Associate Provost and University Librarian Arnold Hirshon. “The program will enrich library interactions with faculty, students, staff and the community to create collaborative intellectual and research endeavors that will advance the mission of the library as a vibrant and diverse source of knowledge.”
As a visiting scholar, Jackson will present at least two public lectures and work with the staff of the library, special collections and other departments as requested. He also may prepare publications and consult with staff on current collections and potential acquisitions.
Jackson brings his knowledge on the history of the books and literature to the library. In addition to working as a corporate and securities lawyer, Jackson is a bibliophile. His wide range of expertise includes English and American authors of the 19th and 20th centuries, Asian manuscripts, and Oceanic and African art. An accomplished lecturer, Jackson has spoken extensively in the United States and Europe, with a focus on Victorian and contemporary writers, rare books, libraries, travel and law-related topics. Last fall, Jackson co-taught a graduate class at the university on the History of the Book.
Already active on campus, Jackson serves as chair of Case Western Reserve’s Baker-Nord Committee for Humanities Advisory Board and is a member of the Visiting Committee for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Jackson’s broad knowledge of and involvement in bibliophilic endeavors are reflected in his affiliations with such organizations as the Grolier Club, the Rowfant Club of Cleveland, Association Internationale De Bibliophile (Paris) and the Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Associations, of which he is a founder and past chairman. He has served on the editorial advisory board of Biblio magazine and on Brown University’s and Oberlin University’s Rare Book Committees. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Newberry Library in Chicago.
The new yearlong Distinguished Visiting Scholar program of the Kelvin Smith Library permits Hirshon to appoint others to contribute to the library’s advancement.
To learn more about Robert H. Jackson and the library’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar program, visit library.case.edu/ksl/visitingscholar or contact Arnold Hirshon at 216.368.0688 or arnold.hirshon@case.edu