Events - Oberlin College Library | Research, Archives & Academic Resources

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

The Oberlin College Library is not only a center for academic resources and research, but also a vibrant venue for events that inspire learning, foster intellectual exchange, and promote the sharing of knowledge. With a rich tradition of scholarly engagement, the library hosts a variety of events designed to enhance the educational experience of students, faculty, and the wider Oberlin community. From academic workshops to guest lectures, panel discussions, and cultural celebrations, our events serve as a platform for collaboration, creativity, and exploration.

At Oberlin College Library, we understand that the academic experience extends beyond textbooks and research papers. Our events provide opportunities for deep engagement with the resources at our disposal and serve as spaces where ideas are nurtured, debated, and shared. Whether you’re looking to deepen your research skills, engage with experts in various fields, or learn more about the college’s history and cultural heritage, the library’s events are designed to offer something valuable for everyone.

Our Approach to Events: Engaging Minds, Creating Connections

At the heart of Oberlin College Library’s event programming is a commitment to fostering an environment where learning is not confined to traditional classroom settings. We aim to create events that are both informative and thought-provoking, designed to bring together diverse perspectives, encourage critical thinking, and create lasting connections between students, faculty, and the broader Oberlin community.

Our events are driven by the following core goals:

Intellectual Growth: We organize events that encourage learning, critical thought, and scholarly development. By bringing in experts and scholars, we provide opportunities for members of the Oberlin College community to engage with complex ideas and expand their knowledge.
Cultural Engagement: Many of our events focus on cultural exploration, including exhibits, performances, and cultural discussions that reflect the diversity of ideas, traditions, and experiences within the Oberlin College community.
Research Support: As a hub for research, the library organizes events aimed at helping students and faculty enhance their research skills, learn new tools and techniques, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their fields of study.
Community Connection: We strive to make our events a space for meaningful connection, where members of the Oberlin College community can meet, collaborate, and form relationships that support academic, personal, and professional growth.

Types of Events at Oberlin College Library

Oberlin College Library hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year. Below are some of the main types of events that take place in our spaces:

1. Academic Workshops and Research Skill Sessions

At Oberlin College Library, we understand that research is a key element of academic success. To support our students and faculty in their research endeavors, we offer a variety of workshops and instructional sessions designed to help participants develop essential research skills and better utilize the library’s vast resources.

Library Research 101: This introductory session helps students understand how to navigate the library’s resources, from using online catalogs to accessing databases and journals. The workshop provides guidance on how to conduct efficient research and locate relevant academic materials.
Advanced Research Tools: For more experienced researchers, we offer workshops on advanced tools and techniques for gathering information. Topics may include using citation management software like Zotero or EndNote, advanced database searching, and incorporating primary source materials into research projects.
Citation and Writing Workshops: These workshops are aimed at improving the research and writing process, focusing on citation practices and academic writing standards. Participants will gain insights into how to format citations correctly, avoid plagiarism, and build strong, cohesive arguments in their academic work.

By attending these workshops, students can gain the research skills necessary to excel in their academic pursuits, making the process of conducting research more efficient and effective.

2. Guest Lectures and Speaker Series

The Oberlin College Library regularly hosts guest speakers, thought leaders, and experts from a variety of fields to provide lectures and talks on topics ranging from the arts and humanities to the sciences, social justice, and politics. These events give our community the opportunity to engage with leading experts and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge research and thought leadership.

Faculty Lectures and Presentations: Our library’s speaker series features faculty members who share their research, offer insights into their academic work, and discuss topics that are central to their fields. These events offer a chance for students and faculty to engage in rich discussions and learn from one another.
External Speakers and Scholars: We also invite scholars and professionals from beyond the Oberlin community to share their knowledge on topics of importance. These guest speakers provide a wealth of perspectives and expertise, enriching the intellectual landscape of Oberlin College.
Interdisciplinary Discussions: Oberlin College Library often organizes interdisciplinary talks where speakers from diverse academic backgrounds come together to discuss issues that cut across various fields of study, such as climate change, inequality, and technological advancements.

These events encourage intellectual dialogue and provide attendees with opportunities to interact with experts, ask questions, and explore the latest trends and research in various disciplines.

3. Cultural Exhibitions and Performances

In addition to academic events, Oberlin College Library plays an active role in fostering cultural exploration and appreciation. The library hosts exhibitions and performances that celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Oberlin and the broader world.

Art Exhibitions: Oberlin College Library regularly hosts visual art exhibitions that showcase the work of students, faculty, and local artists. These exhibitions explore a wide range of themes, from contemporary art to historical collections, offering a rich visual experience for the campus community.
Performances and Music Events: As part of Oberlin’s rich music and performance tradition, the library hosts musical performances, including student recitals, faculty concerts, and special music events. These performances highlight the college’s deep commitment to the arts and provide opportunities for students and faculty to showcase their talents.
Cultural Celebrations: The library also hosts events that celebrate cultural diversity, including cultural heritage months, international food festivals, and collaborative events that highlight the traditions and histories of various communities represented at Oberlin College.

These events provide opportunities for the Oberlin College community to engage with different cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions, fostering a deeper understanding of the world’s diverse peoples.

4. Research Symposia and Conferences

The Oberlin College Library plays a pivotal role in supporting academic conferences and symposia that bring together students, faculty, and experts from a wide range of disciplines to share research, exchange ideas, and discuss pressing global issues.

Student Research Symposium: Every year, the library supports the Student Research Symposium, a platform for Oberlin College students to present their academic research in front of faculty and peers. This event allows students to showcase their hard work, gain feedback, and build their academic confidence.
Faculty and Interdisciplinary Conferences: Oberlin College Library also hosts and supports faculty-driven academic conferences that encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas across disciplines. These conferences often bring together scholars from different institutions to share research on topics like environmental studies, political science, history, and the arts.
Global Issues and Think Tanks: The library provides a venue for interdisciplinary discussions on global challenges, such as climate change, human rights, and social justice. These events help foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and create a space for the Oberlin community to engage in important conversations about pressing global issues.

5. Community Outreach and Engagement Events

The library is a community hub for Oberlin College and the surrounding region, hosting events that aim to strengthen community bonds and promote public engagement.

Public Talks and Workshops: We host events that are open to the broader Oberlin community, such as discussions on local history, educational workshops for local schools, and events that explore topics of regional significance. These events connect Oberlin College with the surrounding community and encourage the sharing of knowledge and ideas across generations.
Social Justice and Advocacy Events: In alignment with Oberlin College’s long history of activism and social justice, the library hosts events focused on advocacy, activism, and social change. These events provide a platform for students and faculty to engage in critical conversations about social issues and to collaborate on projects that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

How to Get Involved

Attending and participating in events at the Oberlin College Library is a great way to engage with the campus community and expand your intellectual and cultural horizons. You can get involved by:

Attending Events: Check the library’s events calendar for upcoming lectures, workshops, performances, and more.
Volunteering: Help organize events, assist with setup and registration, or contribute your expertise to the planning of future events.
Collaborating: If you’re part of a student group or faculty department, consider partnering with the library to host an event that aligns with your interests and goals.

The Oberlin College Library’s events provide opportunities to learn, share, and grow, creating a space where the entire community can come together to explore new ideas and build a more interconnected academic and cultural environment.