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Home | Oberlin College Library | Research, Archives & Academic Resources

Welcome to the Oberlin College Library, a hub of knowledge, discovery, and academic excellence at the heart of Oberlin College. As a vital part of our community, the library is not only a repository of academic resources, but also a space where students, faculty, and staff engage with information, foster creativity, and push the boundaries of learning. We are committed to supporting the diverse research needs of our academic community while preserving the rich history of Oberlin College through our archives.

Whether you are conducting cutting-edge research, exploring historical records, or simply looking for a quiet space to study, Oberlin College Library provides the resources, tools, and support you need to succeed. With a blend of traditional and digital resources, an extensive collection of books, journals, and multimedia materials, as well as specialized services, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages intellectual growth and exploration.

Our Mission

At Oberlin College Library, our mission is to provide access to high-quality information and to foster a collaborative learning environment that supports the academic endeavors of our college community. We are committed to offering a broad range of resources, services, and expertise, all designed to meet the evolving needs of researchers, students, and faculty members.

Our library is not just a place for books—it is a dynamic space where knowledge is curated, preserved, and shared. From historical archives to cutting-edge academic research tools, our services are designed to empower our users to pursue scholarly endeavors in a way that is both effective and inspiring.

Research Support

Research is at the core of Oberlin College’s academic mission, and the library plays a pivotal role in supporting scholarly research. With a team of dedicated librarians and a wide array of research tools, we are here to help guide you through your academic journey, whether you are working on a class project, a thesis, or a faculty-led research initiative.

1. Research Databases and Scholarly Journals

We offer access to a vast collection of research databases, e-journals, and electronic resources. These resources span a wide range of disciplines, providing comprehensive coverage of both contemporary and historical scholarship. Some of our most frequently used resources include:

  • JSTOR: A comprehensive archive of scholarly journals covering the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

  • Project MUSE: A collection of full-text journals and e-books that focus on literature, history, and the arts.

  • Google Scholar: A freely accessible search engine that indexes scholarly articles, books, conference papers, and patents.

  • EBSCOhost: A multidisciplinary research database offering access to academic journals, magazines, and other professional publications.

2. Research Assistance and Consultation

Our dedicated librarians are always ready to assist with your research needs. Whether you are starting a new project or need help fine-tuning your work, we offer personalized research consultations, where we can help you with:

  • Identifying and accessing relevant resources.

  • Developing research strategies to enhance the scope and quality of your work.

  • Citation management and organizing references.

  • Navigating research databases and tools to improve search efficiency.

Our librarians also host regular workshops and instructional sessions to help you learn how to conduct effective research, use library resources, and stay organized during your academic journey.

3. Special Collections and Rare Materials

In addition to our general academic resources, the Oberlin College Library is home to a number of special collections and rare materials that are essential to advanced research. These collections provide unique access to a variety of primary source materials and historical documents, offering students and scholars the opportunity to explore specialized subjects in-depth.

Our rare materials include:

  • The Oberlin College Archives: The historical records of Oberlin College, dating back to its founding in 1833. These materials offer a unique perspective on the history of the college, its faculty, students, and alumni, as well as the significant role Oberlin has played in shaping education, social justice, and reform movements in the United States.

  • The Western Reserve Historical Society Collection: This collection focuses on the history of the Western Reserve region of Ohio, providing insight into local history, politics, and society.

  • The African American Literature Collection: This is a collection of works and documents from African American authors, activists, and scholars, offering valuable perspectives on African American culture, history, and literature.

These special collections are invaluable for anyone conducting research in the fields of history, social justice, or cultural studies, and our staff are on hand to help you navigate these rich resources.

Archives & Preservation

The Oberlin College Archives holds an invaluable collection of materials that document the history of the college, its faculty, students, and alumni, as well as its contributions to various social and educational movements. Preserving this history is one of the library’s key priorities, as these materials provide insights into the events, achievements, and challenges that have shaped Oberlin’s legacy.

1. Archival Research Services

Whether you’re looking to explore the history of Oberlin College, researching local history, or investigating the evolution of a particular academic department or social movement, the Oberlin College Archives offers a wealth of primary source materials, including:

  • Letters, diaries, and personal papers from faculty, students, and alumni.

  • Photographs, scrapbooks, and artifacts documenting campus life and historical events.

  • Institutional records such as board of trustee minutes, annual reports, and more.

Our archivists are available to assist you with archival research, guide you in handling fragile materials, and help you discover hidden gems within our collections.

2. Digital Archives

To make our collections more accessible, we have digitized a significant portion of our archives. These digital records can be accessed remotely, allowing researchers around the world to explore Oberlin College’s history from anywhere. Our digital archives include:

  • Historic yearbooks and catalogs that chronicle the evolution of Oberlin College.

  • Manuscripts and correspondence that provide insight into the lives of influential figures in Oberlin’s history.

  • Oral histories that capture the voices of alumni and faculty, reflecting on their experiences at Oberlin College.

Our digital archive is an ongoing project, with new materials being added regularly, ensuring that Oberlin’s rich history is preserved for future generations.

Academic Resources for Students and Faculty

At Oberlin College Library, we provide a range of academic resources to support the learning and teaching experience. These resources include:

1. Study Spaces and Technology

We offer a variety of study spaces designed to meet the needs of different students. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to focus, a collaborative space for group work, or access to high-tech tools for academic projects, we have you covered. Our library is equipped with:

  • Individual study carrels for focused, quiet work.

  • Group study rooms equipped with whiteboards and media capabilities for collaborative projects.

  • Computer stations with access to advanced software and printing services.

We also offer access to high-end printing and scanning technology, which allows students to produce professional-quality documents, scans, and posters for their academic work.

2. Library Instruction and Workshops

In addition to individual research consultations, we provide a range of workshops and instructional sessions designed to help students develop essential academic skills. These include:

  • Citation workshops to help students master citation styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago.

  • Library orientation sessions for first-year students to familiarize them with library resources and services.

  • Digital literacy workshops on topics such as navigating online databases, using citation management tools, and developing effective research strategies.

These workshops are designed to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in both their academic studies and beyond.

3. Faculty Support

We also offer specialized support for faculty members, including:

  • Course Reserves: Faculty can place required readings and materials on reserve for easy student access.

  • Research Assistance: We collaborate with faculty on research projects, helping to locate resources and providing support for grant writing.

  • Instructional Support: We assist faculty in incorporating library resources and research skills into their curriculum.

A Hub for Learning and Discovery

Oberlin College Library is not just a place for books—it’s a vibrant hub of learning, discovery, and intellectual engagement. Our mission is to support the academic pursuits of all members of the Oberlin community, providing access to the tools, resources, and expertise needed to thrive in the world of higher education. From extensive archives to cutting-edge research databases, our library is a treasure trove of knowledge, ready to be explored by anyone seeking to learn, research, and grow.

We invite you to explore our library and take full advantage of the wealth of resources and services we offer. Whether you are a student working on your thesis, a faculty member preparing a lecture, or a researcher delving into the history of Oberlin College, we are here to support you on your academic journey.