There are four Special Research Collections housed on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library. This page includes information for visitors and researchers about access and use of materials from these collections, as well as information related to displays, classes, events and tours. See the individual collection pages for inflormation about holdings and histories of these collections: Harry W. Bass Business History Collection, History of Science Collections, John and Mary Nichols Rare Books & Special Colections and William Bennett Bizzell Bible Collection.
Collection materials do not circulate and are made available for use in the Duane H.D. Roller Room. See Researching at the 5th Floor Special Research Collections for information about requesting materials and making appointments.
No food is permitted in public spaces, except for the Teahouse while being used by staff and researchers. Drinks are permitted in all public spaces except for the East Hall and Reading Room, and when collections materials are present for tours and instruction.
5th Floor Special Research Collections Hours
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5th Floor Special Research Collections
401 W Brooks St.
Norman, OK 73019
United States
Announcements
Atomic Era Materials from the Collections: a display of materials relating to Oppenheimer, the Manhattan Project, and the Atomic Bomb. Items are on display in cases in the foyer and the East Hall. Browsable materials related to the display are viewable in the Reading Nook area and are always accessible during open hours. The East Hall may be temporarily closed during tours and class visits.
Scheduled closures of the East Hall:
- October 3 - noon to closing
- October 24 - noon to closing
- November 8 - 11am to closing
- November 15 - all day
- November 30 - all day
General Information
Displays & Spaces
View materials from the collections in display cases throughout the foyer and in the East Hall.
Browse research resources and items in pop-up topical displays in the Reading Nook.
Throughout the years materials from the collections have been featured in displays and exhibits on the 5th floor, throughout OU Libraries, and at other campus locations.
Tours, Events & Outreach
Please Contact us if you are interested in scheduling a tour or group visit.
Watch this space for notification of scheduled events.
Browse the link above for coloring pages based upon illustrations from our rare books, as well as for events inspired by the #ColorOurCollections social media campaigns organized by The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM).
Classes in the Collections
Faculty are encouraged to use materials from the collections in support of instruction. We are eager to collaborate to facilitate use of our collections for student learning and research. Contact us for a consultation.
Each semester we host class visits which introduce students to the world of Special Collections, Rare Books and Archives. Our holdings can support a wide range of topics and disciplines across the curriculum (for examples see the list of class visits from previous semesters).
Visiting Reseacher Support
Learn more about scholars who have visited the Collections through our Mellon Fellow Travel program.
Student Research Help
Send us your questions or make an appointment for research help using the collections:
- Fill out our online Contact form to ask a question
- Email Dr. JoAnn Palmeri to ask a question or to arrange a meeting (in person or Zoom)
Additional help:
- View materials useful for research in our Browsable Collection in the Reading Nook
- View Virtual Book Shelf page with list of select HSTM Ebooks
- See Getting Started with Research in History of Science, Technology & Medicine for research tips, links to resources
- See History of Science Research Guides for more links to specific topics and types of resources (see below)
Technology
Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi access is available in all rooms of the library. Instructors and students can access the internet by wirelessly connecting to the University's wi-fi network.