Library directors from the 50 institutions represented at the science conferences were invited, as well as directors from a number of other selective l iberal arts colleges. The first conference was a success and the directors decided to meet every year at a member institution. From the beginning the Oberlin Group has functioned informally and with minimal structure. Its main purpose has been to share information among the directors in a collegial way and to establish an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support. Sin ce the first conference, the Oberlin Group has evolved well beyond the annual meeting.
Members routinely conduct surveys and share their findings with the group.
More recently members have negotiated consortial contracts for subscriptions to electronic journals and electronic reference services. A membership committee, created in 1989, established criteria for membership and recommended new members for the group, with an overall cap of 75 institutions. Shortly before each conference, the membership is invited to suggest topics of c urrent interest for discussion. The Steering Committee selects members to make an initial presentation and then to lead a discussion. In 1996 the group reviewed its organizational status.