Special Research Collections

Information

The University of Oklahoma Libraries’ Special Research Collections advances innovative scholarship, transformative learning, and the preservation of invaluable cultural heritage. The division serves researchers and community members by providing access to a variety of primary and secondary source materials, many of which are unique to the University of Oklahoma. Our holdings include rare books, archival collections, maps, photographs, sound recordings and artifacts. Our curators actively pursue strategic collection growth to continue to advance our institutional mission.

Access Special Research Collections

The Special Research Collections division of the Libraries is led by Michael Szajewski, Associate Dean for Special Research Collections.

Special Research Collections is located on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library. Take the stairs or elevators near the west entrance of Bizzell Memorial Library to the 5th floor. The west entrance is near the E. T. Dunlap clock tower.

All Special Research Collections collecting areas are now accessible on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library.

Please make an appointment to access Special Research Collections materials.

Search Our Collections

You can use these links to identify research materials:

Archival Collection Finding Aids: This database contains inventories, also known as finding aids, for archival collections in Special Research Collections.
Library Catalog: This database includes records for books, journals, and archival collections located in the Special Research Collections at the University of Oklahoma Libraries.
Digital Collections: This repository provides access to digitized archival collections and rare books. Please note that any collection available online is not available for in-person research.

You can also find these resources on the Search Special Research Collections page.

Our Collecting Areas

Browse our collecting areas and find out how to access our materials:

American School of Architecture Archive

The American School refers to the imaginative school of design and practice that developed under the guidance of Bruce Goff

Chinese Literature Translation Archive

The OU Libraries Chinese Literature Translation Archive provides students and scholars with a wide range of rare books, reference materials

Harry W. Bass Business History Collection

The Harry W. Bass Business History Collection began in 1955 with the purpose of collecting and preserving materials relating to

History of Science Collections

The History of Science Collections, founded in 1949 with an initial gift from Everette Lee DeGolyer, is a premier research

John and Mary Nichols Rare Books & Special Collections

The John and Mary Nichols Rare Books and Special Collections are comprised of more than 15,000 rare books and special

University Archives

The University Archives includes presidential papers, departmental and college administrative records, university publications, student publications, and other university-related documents. All

Western History Collections

The Western History Collections is a part of the University of Oklahoma Libraries and is one of the leading special

William Bennett Bizzell Bible Collection

William Bennett Bizzell, president of The University of Oklahoma from 1925 to 1941, purchased his first old Bible for $1

Notable Projects

New Digital Collections Platform

The University Libraries is beta testing a new digital repository platform. The purpose of the University of Oklahoma Libraries' digital collections is to provide free online public access to high-resolution digital images of OU Libraries Special Collections materials in order to enhance scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. We invite you to explore the new beta site and share your feedback to help us improve.

Image Gallery

FAQ

I'd like to come check out the collections. How do I do that?

Appointments are required for visits to OU Libraries Special Research Collections because many materials are stored offsite. See the collecting area pages for information about access and holdings. Pre-registration and consultation with a librarian are recommended prior to arrival, especially for non-local visitors.