FAQs
Are your collections online?
We have a vast array of physical collections and records. For remote access we have a number of digital collections, as well as online exhibits and other resources.
Where do we put our coats and purses/bags?
We have lockers with locks and coat pegs for your use. Check in with the reference desk for locker instructions.
Do we need I.D.?
You will need your government issued ID number or Oberlin College “T” number for our registration form.
Where is the classroom? My class/group is meeting there.
During this time of limited contact, class presentations by the archivist may be done remotely. Please check with your instructor.
Enter the Reading Room, check in with the reference desk, then proceed to the Forsythe Classroom from there.
How do I cite archival sources?
Check the online style manual recommended by your professor or publisher.
How do I find out about a person who attended Oberlin College?
Check the online 1908 College Catalogue, and use our email form to request a description of our holdings on that person. If the person who is the subject of your research would have attended after 1908, please use our email form so the Archives staff can search other indexes not available online. Not every former student or graduate will be represented in our files.
What does it cost to get copies?
Materials that can be copied cost $0.40/page. There is an additional research charge for remote patrons requesting copies. Please check with an Archives staff member if you want copies or further information.
How do I request a digital image of an item in your collections? How do I get permission to use it?
For information on requesting reproductions or permissions, please contact the College Archivist by calling our office at 440-775-8014.
Note: Warning concerning Copyright Restrictions
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyright material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that use may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law.
Can I visit Special Collections?
Oberlin students, faculty, and staff and community members can visit Terrell Special Collections during open hours or by appointment. Contact Us to start the consultation process.
There will be limited access to the Conservatory Special Collections, by appointment only, through the summer semester. Contact Us to start the consultation process.
The Art Library offers full access to materials Monday-Friday during open hours. Contact Us to start the consultation process.
Can I bring food and drink into the reading room?
No, food and drinks, including water, are not allowed in the reading room. You are welcome at any time to go into the hallway to eat and drink. We also have a sink near the classroom with small paper cups. Please stay at the sink while drinking water.
Information about the Oberlin College Archives
The Oberlin College Archives is responsible for a vast and varied collection of rare, original, and reproduced materials in printed, electronic, and digitized formats. It holds the permanently valuable records of the institution as well as those of individuals, families, and organizations affiliated with the college, the Conservatory of Music, and the city of Oberlin.
How do I find out what collections Archives has for research?
The main access tools to our collections are the finding guides to collections. These have a biographical or administrative history, a scope note, and an inventory. You can access our finding guides online.
What can I bring into the Reading Room?
You are welcome to bring all note taking devices into the reading room (notebooks, laptops, phones, cameras). We do not allow pens for note taking, but can provide you with pencils and a pencil sharpener. Please set all laptops and phones to silent and take phone calls in the hallway. We can also provide reading lights and magnifying devices.
Can I visit the Archives?
Yes, Oberlin students, faculty, and staff and community members can visit during open hours.
Special Collections and Archives
Can I bring food and drink into the reading room?
No, food and drinks, including water, are not allowed in the reading room. You are welcome at any time to go into the hallway to eat and drink. We also have a sink near the classroom with small paper cups. Please stay at the sink while drinking water.
Information about the Oberlin College Archives
The Oberlin College Archives is responsible for a vast and varied collection of rare, original, and reproduced materials in printed, electronic, and digitized formats. It holds the permanently valuable records of the institution as well as those of individuals, families, and organizations affiliated with the college, the Conservatory of Music, and the city of Oberlin.
How do I find out what collections Archives has for research?
The main access tools to our collections are the finding guides to collections. These have a biographical or administrative history, a scope note, and an inventory. You can access our finding guides online.
What can I bring into the Reading Room?
You are welcome to bring all note taking devices into the reading room (notebooks, laptops, phones, cameras). We do not allow pens for note taking, but can provide you with pencils and a pencil sharpener. Please set all laptops and phones to silent and take phone calls in the hallway. We can also provide reading lights and magnifying devices.
Can I visit the Archives?
Yes, Oberlin students, faculty, and staff and community members can visit during open hours.
Are your collections online?
We have a vast array of physical collections and records. For remote access we have a number of digital collections, as well as online exhibits and other resources.
Where do we put our coats and purses/bags?
We have lockers with locks and coat pegs for your use. Check in with the reference desk for locker instructions.
Do we need I.D.?
You will need your government issued ID number or Oberlin College “T” number for our registration form.
Where is the classroom? My class/group is meeting there.
During this time of limited contact, class presentations by the archivist may be done remotely. Please check with your instructor.
Enter the Reading Room, check in with the reference desk, then proceed to the Forsythe Classroom from there.
How do I cite archival sources?
Check the online style manual recommended by your professor or publisher.
How do I find out about a person who attended Oberlin College?
Check the online 1908 College Catalogue, and use our email form to request a description of our holdings on that person. If the person who is the subject of your research would have attended after 1908, please use our email form so the Archives staff can search other indexes not available online. Not every former student or graduate will be represented in our files.
What does it cost to get copies?
Materials that can be copied cost $0.40/page. There is an additional research charge for remote patrons requesting copies. Please check with an Archives staff member if you want copies or further information.
How do I request a digital image of an item in your collections? How do I get permission to use it?
For information on requesting reproductions or permissions, please contact the College Archivist by calling our office at 440-775-8014.
Note: Warning concerning Copyright Restrictions
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyright material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that use may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law.