Using the Libraries

Visitors are welcome to use the collections and services of the Oberlin College Libraries during regular posted building hours. They must have a valid Oberlin College Libraries card or register at the Circulation Desk upon arrival.

To register, guest users present valid picture identification and sign in at the Circulation Desk on each visit to one of our libraries. A guest card is provided for that day. Visitors using a library for an extended period of time may request a guest card validated for up to one month upon approval of a circulation staff supervisor or the library office staff. Users who are unable to provide registration identification will be assisted by the library staff in accessing the materials they need. 

Borrowing privileges at the Oberlin College Libraries are also extended to the spouses or partners of Oberlin College students and employees, their children (aged 14-17), Lorain County residents over the age of 17, alumni of the college living nearby, and Friends of the Oberlin College Library. Others may pay a $50 refundable deposit to secure borrowing privileges. Further specifics are described in the borrowing regulations available at the Main Library Circulation Desk.

Some resources and services of the Library are restricted to use by only Oberlin College students and staff. Library staff will ask others to refrain from using these services. In most cases, the restrictions are indicated in the signage or descriptions of the resources.

Computers in the library are primarily for research use. Guest users seeking information published by the federal government are welcome to use library computers for this purpose. All library users are expected to comply with the Policy for the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources, posted by the Center for Information Technology.

The Library reserves the right to sanction, through fines and/or judicial proceedings, any persons violating our policies on food, drink, smoking, or established building rules and guidelines. The Library may eject or bar from the building any persons engaged in disruptive or destructive behavior.

Extension of building hours beyond midnight is intended solely for the convenience of Oberlin College staff and students. The buildings are not open to the general public at these times.

Borrowing privileges are extended to non-resident conference attendees only if prior arrangement has been made for them by the conference planners.

The Oberlin College Libraries Unattended Minor Policy 

Policy Statement: 

The Oberlin College Libraries primarily serve our campus community in support of the teaching, learning, and research mission of the College and the Conservatory. 

We welcome members of the general public to visit the Libraries and use selected  resources. However, the Oberlin College Libraries staff is not responsible for supervising unattended minors under the age of 16.

Definition:

Unattended Child: An unattended child is any child under the age of 16 who is not accompanied by an adult. 

Policy:

• Children must be supervised at all times by a parent, guardian over the age of 16, or a college-aged mentor or tutor in an approved Oberlin College Libraries youth-based educational program. 
• The Libraries and its staff are not responsible for the safety, care, supervision, or entertainment of unattended children.  

Staff Procedures with Unattended Children 

Libraries staff will use their judgment and discretion in determining whether or not a child is unattended. 

During Open Hours: 

If a child is left unattended Libraries staff will:

• Reassure the child
• Attempt to contact the parent/guardian within the Libraries

If a parent/guardian can not be located in the Libraries, staff will contact the Safety & Security Office (x58877 or emergency x58911).