History of Science Collections

Anyone can use the History of Science Collections materials regardless of their university affiliation or geographic location. We require appointments to view collections in person, as some of our materials are stored off-site. Our staff are available for in-person, virtual, and email consultations if you need assistance with your research. Collection materials may not be checked out and are made available for use in the Duane H.D. Roller Reading Room on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library.

To view materials in person, request an appointment.

To request assistance with distance research, please email us.

Visit our Research Services page for more information.

The Special Research Collections user services team welcomes discussions with faculty about integrating primary sources from our collections into teaching and research activities.

Visit our Instruction Services page to learn more.

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.

History of Geology Collecting Initiative

The History of Geology Archival Collections consist of papers and correspondence of historians of geology, and other geology materials. Initial collections are now in processing, as follows: Martin J. S. Rudwick (intellectual history of geohistory, Georges Cuvier, and Charles Lyell); Hugh S. Torrens (Mary Anning, William Smith, mineral surveyors, geology and the British Industrial Revolution); Kenneth L. Taylor (geology in the Enlightenment, French geology, and Nicolas Desmarest); Léo Laporte (George Gaylord Simpson and paleontology, Charles Darwin); Alexander Ospovat (A. G. Werner and geology in 18th-century Germany); David B. Kitts (history of paleontology, philosophy of the historical sciences, and Charles Darwin). For more information, visit the History of Geology Collecting Initiative page.

History of Meteorology Archival Collections

Our immediate and strategic vision is concentrated on becoming one of the leading centers for research worldwide for the history of the atmospheric sciences. The History of Science Collections already holds remarkable print collections and archives in meteorology related to significant and real-world challenges in energy, climate change, and environmental science. For more information, visit the History of Meteorology Collecting Initiative page.

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 Research Collections materials to enhance scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. We invite you to explore the new beta site and share your feedback to help us improve.