Special Research Collections Research Services
Service Overview
Special Research Collections materials may not be checked out or borrowed. However, they can be accessed in a variety of ways. We offer onsite access to collections by appointment, remote research assistance via email, and online access to some collections through our digital collections.
What We Offer
Anyone can use our collections for their personal or professional research. You can use our archival finding aid database and library catalog to identify materials of interest. For viewing materials in person, you can request an appointment. Some of our collections are available online in our digital collections. If you need assistance, please contact us.
- Research consultations
- Onsite appointments
- Remote research assistance
Get Started
How to Find Resources
You can use these resources to identify research materials:
- Archival Collection Finding Aids: This database contains inventories, also known as finding aids, for archival collections within 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, audio recordings, 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.
Booking an Onsite Research Appointment
Research appointments are required because many collection materials are stored offsite. To ensure your materials are onsite for your appointment, please provide us with a list of the materials you will need for your visit either via email or through the appointment request form.
If possible, please list the materials you need in priority order. For archival collections, please provide the collection name and box number for any material you need for your appointment. For photograph collections, please provide the collection name, box number, and item number. For books, please provide the call number and title. See our policies page for collection access details.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that there is a 48-hour buffer when requesting an appointment. Requesting a same-day or next-day appointment is not possible through our appointment requesting system. Staff review all appointment requests. After submitting your appointment request, you will receive a second email confirming the appointment if it is approved. Staff may reach out to you if they need more information before approving your appointment.
All reading room users are required to complete a reader registration form and present photo identification upon request. A registration link will be sent via email after the appointment is confirmed.
If you need assistance identifying relevant resources or have questions about booking an appointment, please contact us.
Arriving for Your Appointment
All appointments occur in the Duane H. D. Roller Reading Room located on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library. The 5th floor can only be accessed from the west side stairs or elevators of the library. The west side entrance of the library is near the clock tower.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be:
- Asked to show photo identification
- Asked to register if you did not complete the form before your arrival. If you did not receive a registration link, please contact us.
- Informed of our reading room policies. See the Policies page for more information.
- Asked to place your bags, food, and drink in a designated lockers.
- Instructed on the best practices for viewing and handling materials.
- Provided additional in-person support for your research.
Other Ways to Request Materials
- Send a request through the Special Research Collections Contact Form
- Request materials via item records in the Library Catalog
- Request materials via item records in the Archival Finding Aids Database
Offsite Researcher Assistance
Researchers are welcome to contact us to set up a virtual consultation.
Researchers may contact us to request copies of materials. When requesting reproductions, please include the following information.
- For books: include the title, author, publication year, call number, and needed page numbers.
- For archival materials: include the collection name/s, box numbers, and folder numbers.
- For photographs: include the collection name/s, box numbers, and image numbers.
- For maps: include the collection name/s and item numbers.
Please see the Policies page for more information.
Staff members do not interpret information contained in collection materials.
We cannot perform in-depth research. For research that requires more than one hour of staff time, we will direct you to a researcher-for-hire.
Contact Information
Special Research Collections Team
FAQ
We’re happy to talk about our collections! Come visit us on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library, or make an appointment with us.
Special Research Collections is located on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library. The 5th floor can only be accessed from the west side stairs or elevators of the library. The west side entrance of the library is near the clock tower.