Policies
Accessibility
The Oberlin College Libraries staff is committed to assisting all library users in finding information, developing strategies for effective research, and learning how to use the library and its resources. Library staff will attempt to accommodate the needs of users with disabilities. Requests for assistance are confidential.
The Con Library’s second floor is accessible by elevator. For assistance retrieving items, please stop by the circulation desk or call 440-775-8288.
Borrowing from the Library
Loan Periods
The Con Library follows the same loan rules as all Oberlin libraries. If you have questions, ask a staff member, login to your account, or consult the loan rules and fines page.
Request Items
Some items are kept behind the desk or in closed storage, including audio and video materials. Please use the Search.Libraries request function or stop by the circulation desk for assistance.
For Conservatory Special Collections, email the Special Collection Librarian
Email Conservatory Library Special Collections
If you need further assistance, contact the Conservatory Library Reference Desk
Email Conservatory Library Reference Desk
Reserves
Items circulate for five hours.
All print and CD reserve materials may leave the library (DVDs, LPs, and tapes may not).
Overnight loans begin at 10 p.m. (or 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday) and are due at 9 a.m. the next day (1 p.m. on Sunday).
For faculty wanting to put items on reserve, please consult the Course Reserves LibGuide.
Returning Items
Items can be returned directly to staff members or through the book drop outside the library doors. Please return Reserve items directly to staff. Please return OhioLink and InterLibrary Loan materials at Terrell.
Collection Suggestions and Gifts
Recommendations for the collection from faculty, staff, or students are welcome.
The Oberlin Conservatory Library accepts gifts that will further the curricular objectives of the Conservatory and College in either scholarship or performance. Gifts are accepted at the discretion of the Head of the Library.
Food and Drink
In order to keep the Con Library safe and clean for both patrons and our collection, NO food is allowed in the library. Drinks must have a lid.
Noise
Depending on where you are in the library, there are different expectations of noise and conversation:
Lobby: Green Zone
Group work and discussion at a normal volume is welcomed. Please be courteous if you must use your phone and wear headphones if listening to audio.
West Wing: Yellow Zone
Group work at a low volume is allowed. No phone calls. Headphones required.
2nd Floor: Red Zone
No talking, please. The 2nd floor is dedicated for silent study.
Thank you for cooperating to allow the library to serve multiple purposes without disrupting others!
Non-Circulating Materials
Not all items in the Con Library can leave the library, including some audio and video formats. Fortunately, you can use one of our in-house listening/viewing rooms! For more information, see our Services and Amenities page.
Special Collections items must be viewed in the Reading Room. For more information on using or requesting Special Collections, visit the Conservatory Library Special Collections page.