Western History Collections
Information
The Western History Collections is a part of the University of Oklahoma Libraries and is one of the leading special collections dedicated to the American West. Its collections include materials related to the development of the Trans-Mississippi West, Native American cultures, Oklahoma history, and more. Its collections include a variety of formats, including rare books, archival collections, photographs, maps, and sound recordings.
All visitors are required to follow the Special Research Collections’ reading room policies. The policies include no food or drinks and leaving bags in the designated area.
Plan a Research Visit
Anyone can use Western History Collections materials regardless of their university affiliation or geographic location. We require appointments to view collections in person as many of our materials are stored offsite. 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 fifth 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.
Plan an Instruction Session
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.
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.
Notable Initiatives
Contemporary Native Authors Collecting Initiative
In 2019, the Western History Collections initiated the Native Authors Collections to broaden perspectives regarding the American West. Since then, several award-winning writers, most with Oklahoma connections, donated their papers to the collections. Some notable authors include Sly Alley (Citizen Potawatomi, Otoe, and Ioway), Lance Henson (Cheyenne), LeAnne Howe (Choctaw), Adrian C. Louis (Lovelock Paiute), Devon A. Mihesuah (Choctaw), Phillip Carroll Morgan (Choctaw and Chickasaw), and Carter Revard (Osage).
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.
Ongoing Programs
Western History Collections Fellowships
The Western History Collections provides funding for researchers who want to use the collection over the summer. Funding for visiting scholars is provided via the Masterson Fellowship program and funding for University of Oklahoma graduate students is provided via the Jack Haley Fellowship and the Dale Society Fellowship. See our Fellowship Opportunities page for more information.
Contribute to the Collections
Thank you for considering a donation to the Western History Collections. For information about the types of donations we accept and how to contribute, please visit the Contribute to the Special Research Collections page.
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FAQ
Appointments are required for visits to OU Libraries Special Research Collections. Consultation with a librarian is recommended prior to requesting an appointment. Please see our Research Services page for more information.
Yes. We welcome everyone to use our materials for their own personal or professional research.