Special Research Collections Single Service Point Announcement
The University of Oklahoma Libraries is excited to share that, on May 20, 2026, we will begin making the following special research collections available at a single, integrated service and access point on the fifth floor of Bizzell Memorial Library:
- Western History Collections
- University Archives
- Chinese Literature Translation Archives
- History of Science Collections
- John and Mary Nichols Rare Books & Special Collections
- Harry W. Bass Business History Collection
- American School of Architecture Archive
- William Bennett Bizzell Bible Collection
The creation of a unified access point for Special Research Collections at OU Libraries will yield transformational benefits for the learners, scholars, and community members using these resources, including:
- increased accessibility to these collections and the research space where they are used,
- expanded capacity for dynamic, engaging special collections instruction and public programs,
- improved visibility and usability of OU’s most distinctive library research collections,
- improved storage conditions for OU Libraries’ rare and unique primary source materials,
- enhanced operational efficiency, allowing OU Libraries to offer more robust services and support for researchers and learners on campus, in the community, and around the world.
The last day the Monnet Hall Western History Collections Reading Room will be open is May 15, 2026. All Special Research Collections will be accessible on the fifth floor of Bizzell Memorial Library on May 20, 2026.
No services will be disrupted as part of this transition to a single service point for Special Research Collections. All publicly accessible collections will remain available to all Libraries users.
We look forward to welcoming you to our newly unified home for University Libraries’ Special Research Collections this summer!