Research & Resources | Oberlin College Library | Research, Archives & Academic Resources
At Oberlin College, research is at the heart of academic excellence. The Oberlin College Library stands as a pillar in supporting the intellectual growth and academic success of our students, faculty, and staff. Whether you’re conducting groundbreaking research, delving into historical records, or exploring new ideas, the library is equipped with a wealth of resources designed to meet the diverse needs of our academic community. From physical and digital archives to specialized academic tools and expert research assistance, we provide the resources necessary to foster a thriving academic environment.
Our Commitment to Research Excellence
The Oberlin College Library is committed to providing access to high-quality research materials, supporting students and faculty in their pursuit of knowledge across all disciplines. Our mission is to create a dynamic and collaborative environment where research can thrive, ensuring that the resources we offer meet the evolving needs of the Oberlin College community.
Whether you’re a student working on an assignment, a researcher developing new theories, or a faculty member preparing lectures, our library serves as a comprehensive hub for accessing diverse academic resources. Through our carefully curated collections, extensive archives, and research tools, we aim to empower our users to excel in their studies and research endeavors.
Research Databases and Academic Resources
Oberlin College Library offers access to a wide range of research databases, digital archives, and scholarly resources that span numerous disciplines. These resources are designed to support high-level academic research, with offerings ranging from peer-reviewed journals and e-books to historical documents and primary sources.
1. Scholarly Databases
Our research databases are indispensable tools for accessing peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, books, and more. These databases cover a broad spectrum of academic fields, providing comprehensive resources for both students and faculty.
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JSTOR: A highly respected repository for scholarly articles in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. With thousands of academic journals and books, JSTOR is an essential tool for comprehensive research.
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Project MUSE: An extensive collection of full-text journals and e-books in the humanities and social sciences. Project MUSE offers in-depth resources for literature, history, political science, and more.
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EBSCOhost: This platform provides access to a vast array of databases covering a range of disciplines, including business, education, health, and the sciences. EBSCOhost is a vital resource for accessing current research in various fields.
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ProQuest: ProQuest offers a powerful platform for academic research, providing access to dissertations, theses, newspapers, journals, and much more. It’s a go-to resource for students and scholars seeking in-depth research on any given topic.
These databases are designed to be accessible to all members of the Oberlin College community, ensuring that researchers have the tools they need to conduct thorough and accurate research.
2. E-Journals and E-Books
In addition to our databases, Oberlin College Library offers an extensive collection of e-journals and e-books that students and faculty can access at any time. With the shift toward digital resources, these collections make it easier than ever to access research materials from anywhere in the world.
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Digital Library of the Humanities: A curated collection of digital materials related to literature, history, and cultural studies, accessible to students and scholars interested in these fields.
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Oxford English Dictionary (OED): The most comprehensive dictionary of the English language, offering historical and current definitions, word histories, and etymology. It’s an indispensable resource for linguists and scholars in related fields.
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Cambridge Core: A wide-ranging collection of e-books and academic journals covering a variety of subjects, including the arts, social sciences, law, and science.
These digital collections ensure that Oberlin College students and faculty have immediate access to a wealth of knowledge, aiding in academic success and supporting ongoing research projects.
Specialized Academic Tools and Resources
In addition to traditional academic resources, Oberlin College Library provides specialized research tools and services that allow students and faculty to conduct in-depth academic work. These tools include citation management systems, digital research platforms, and advanced software for academic analysis.
1. Citation Management Tools
Proper citation is an integral part of academic research, and the Oberlin College Library provides tools to help you manage and organize your citations with ease.
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Zotero: A free, open-source tool that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share research. Zotero simplifies the citation process, making it easier to manage references and create bibliographies in various citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
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EndNote: A popular citation management software that allows researchers to organize their references, format bibliographies, and streamline the writing process.
These citation tools help students and researchers maintain academic integrity, stay organized, and ensure their work is properly referenced.
2. Digital Research Platforms
Oberlin College Library also provides access to a range of digital research platforms that are essential for modern academic research.
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Digital Commons Network: A platform where Oberlin College faculty and students can publish and access open-access academic papers, journal articles, and other scholarly content. The Digital Commons Network provides a space for sharing research across disciplines and enhancing academic collaboration.
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HathiTrust Digital Library: An extensive online library offering millions of digitized books and documents from research libraries around the world. HathiTrust serves as a vital resource for historical research and literary studies.
3. Subject-Specific Resources
Our library offers specialized resources tailored to the unique needs of different disciplines. These resources include subject-specific research guides, which help students and faculty navigate the vast array of academic materials available. We have guides for various fields such as:
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Music and Performing Arts: Oberlin College Library has extensive collections related to music history, performance, and ethnomusicology. Our resources include rare music manuscripts, recorded performances, and digital media for studying various genres and styles.
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Environmental Studies: The library houses specialized resources in environmental science, climate change research, and sustainability, with databases like GreenFILE offering valuable resources on environmental issues.
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Social Sciences: We provide access to a range of databases focused on sociology, political science, economics, and anthropology, helping students and faculty dive into research related to human society and behavior.
These specialized tools and resources support research across all academic disciplines, ensuring that Oberlin College community members have access to the most relevant and cutting-edge materials for their studies.
Archives and Special Collections
The Oberlin College Library is home to a treasure trove of historical documents, rare books, and special collections that provide critical insights into the history of the college and broader social movements. These collections offer valuable primary sources for researchers and scholars in a variety of fields.
1. Oberlin College Archives
The Oberlin College Archives holds materials that chronicle the rich history of Oberlin College, from its founding in 1833 to the present day. Our collections include:
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College records: Official documents, institutional records, and faculty files that provide a detailed history of Oberlin College’s academic and social evolution.
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Personal papers: Correspondence and materials from influential figures associated with Oberlin College, including faculty, students, and alumni.
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Historical photographs: A visual archive of Oberlin’s history, documenting the evolution of campus life, key events, and notable individuals.
These materials are invaluable for researchers interested in American history, social justice movements, and Oberlin’s historical role in shaping higher education and activism.
2. Special Collections
Oberlin College Library also maintains special collections that feature rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials across a range of subjects, including:
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African American history: Our collection of African American literature, activism materials, and historical documents provides important insights into African American culture and history.
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Civil Rights Movement: A collection of records, photographs, and publications documenting Oberlin College’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, including student activism and social justice initiatives.
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Musicology and Music History: The library has an exceptional collection of rare music manuscripts, early printed music, and music-related documents that support research in music history and performance.
These special collections offer unique insights into history, culture, and the arts, providing essential resources for scholars and researchers.
Research Assistance and Support
At Oberlin College Library, we understand that conducting research can be a complex and sometimes challenging process. That’s why our library staff is dedicated to providing personalized research assistance and support. Whether you need help navigating databases, finding resources, or developing research strategies, our team of expert librarians is here to assist you.
1. Research Consultations
We offer one-on-one research consultations with our professional librarians, where you can:
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Get personalized help with your research questions.
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Receive guidance on effective search strategies for academic databases.
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Learn how to organize and manage your research materials.
2. Workshops and Instruction
Our library offers workshops and instructional sessions on a variety of topics, including:
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Library orientation: Learn how to navigate library resources and services effectively.
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Research skills: Workshops that teach effective research strategies and how to use academic databases.
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Digital literacy: Instruction on how to use digital tools like citation management software and research platforms.
These workshops help ensure that you are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in your academic research.