Summon
- SummonSummon provides access to millions of sources of all types (books, articles, audio, videos, images, etc.) on nearly any subject. It is a great place to start your research.
OBIS
- OBISThe online library catalog of all print and electronic materials held by the Oberlin College Libraries. You will need to login to the proxy server to use the electronic materials and use the Request and Item button to check out physical materials.
- OBIS Browsing by call number (video)
You can learn how to browse by call number in the online catalogue to find books on similar topics.
Databases A to Z
- A-Z DatabasesSearchable platforms of published, reliable articles, primary sources, books, videos, and audio, covering a wide variety of subject areas.
Keyword Searching
Searching for library sources in Summon, OBIS or databases you will use keywords, words or phrases related to the main concepts of your research question. Here is an online keyword generator to help you come up with effective keyword searches.
Boolean Logic
You will use Boolean Logic to join Key words to most effectively search for sources related to your research topic. Following are three key principles of Boolean Logic to keep in mind when you search Summon, OBIS or any of the library databases:
AND - Dogs and Cats This search will find all those items that refer to both dogs and cats. "And" limits or narrows your search.
OR - Dogs or Cats This search will find all those items that refer to just dogs, just cats and those containing both terms (dog and cat) "Or" broadens your search.
NOT - Dogs not Cats This search will find all items that have dog and exclude any that may also have the word cat. "Not" limits your search.
One more search tip - Use quotation marks around a set of words to search for an exact phrase such as "small dogs." Only those sources with the term "small dogs" will be found. Quotation marks can help refine your search results.