The Oberlin Group seeks to provide an environment in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and hold that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are, therefore, specifically prohibited in all venues, including online venues and Oberlin Group email lists:
Harassment or intimidation based on race, color, religion (creed), sex or gender, gender expression, age, size, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or socioeconomic background.
Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
Yelling at or threatening speakers, participants, and guests (verbally or physically).
Comments centered on partisan politics, electoral campaigns, geopolitical conflicts, or government policy disputes not relevant to higher education or information services (e.g., wars, international conflicts, or political party debates).
Endorsement or promotion of local, state, or federal political candidates or encouraging boycotts is strictly prohibited due to IRS restrictions for tax-exempt organizations.
This community welcomes posts and conversations that advance our mission and reflect our shared values—such as intellectual freedom, access to information, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Oberlin Group members recognize the value of healthy and sometimes vigorous disagreement. Nevertheless, speakers and participants are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others. All speakers, participants, and their guests are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all venues, including online and in person meetings, Oberlin Group email lists, and conference social events.
First violation: the post will be removed, and the list member will receive a reminder of this policy in writing.
Second violation: the post will be removed, and the list member will be suspended from the list for a period of 90 days.
Repeated or serious violations: the post will be removed, the list member will be permanently removed from the listserv, and the Library’s Oberlin Group Member Representative will be notified. If the member is the Library’s Oberlin Group Member Representative, their supervisor will be contacted to identify a replacement member for Oberlin Group business purposes.
If multiple members from the same library repeatedly violate this policy, the Library’s Oberlin Group Member Representative as defined by the bylaws will be contacted, and the entire library’s participation in the community may be suspended or permanently removed.
First violation: Anyone asked to stop hostile or harassing behavior by any other member is expected to comply immediately.
Second violation: The member will be removed from the meeting or event, without refund.
Repeated or serious violations: The member will be removed from the group, future participation will be prohibited, and the Library’s Oberlin Group Member Representative will be notified. If the member is the Library’s Oberlin Group Member Representative, their supervisor will be contacted to identify a replacement member for Oberlin Group business purposes.
If multiple members from the same library repeatedly violate this policy, the Library’s Oberlin Group Member Representative will be contacted, and the entire library’s participation in the community may be suspended or permanently removed.
If you have a question about whether a potential post or comment may violate this policy, please email CONDUCT@OBERLINGROUP.ORG to discuss prior to posting.
If you experience or witness behavior that potentially violates this Code, please report it. Please send information, including context as appropriate, to CONDUCT@OBERLINGROUP.ORG. The review committee consists of the current President, Past President, and Vice-President of the Oberlin Group Board of Directors. If a member of the committee is unable to serve for any reason, including conflict of interest, they will be replaced with a member of the Board of Directors.
We promise to respond thoughtfully, protect your privacy, and take appropriate action.