Welcome to OU Libraries!

Getting Started

Don't know where to start? Here are some popular tools:

Find databases & e-reference materials by title, description, and subject.

Curated tools that we recommend for research and organization, including Zotero and the Lean Library browser extension.

Check out the various spaces in the Libraries that are available for reservations and walk-in.

Research guides offer a tailored list of the most appropriate library resources by subject.

OU Libraries is committed to providing equal access to information for all faculty, staff, students, and members of the OU community.

Technology (including laptops, chargers, and more!) is available for check out at the Circulation Desk.

Featured News & Events

View more University Libraries news stories or check out our monthly events calendar

Bizzell's clock tower behind a fall tree

Tell us your scariest story about losing your work for a chance to win a 2 TB external hard drive! 

The contest is open Oct. 20 - Oct. 27.

Bizzell Memorial Library South Entrance

Join us for a public lecture from Professor Ralph Beliveau, Creative Media Production and Professional Writing Area Head. 

Where: Bizzell LL118 Community Room

When: Tuesday, Oct. 28

Students sit at round tables working on laptops in a workshop session while the instructor stands at a presentation desk at the center front of the room with her laptop on the desk. Large digital displays are on the walls around the room so students can follow what the instructor presents on her laptop to the class.

Attend this two-part workshop for an introduction the the R programming language. 

Where: Bizzell LL123 Classroom

When: Friday, Nov. 21

Explore The Libraries

Databases

Databases are a great place to start online research. A database is a huge collection of resources that have been grouped together to serve a need. For example, Academic Search Premiere is a great place to begin general research, particularly for 1000-2000 level courses. Other databases are more specific, such as PubMed which offers resources on medicine and related topics.

The contents of a database vary depending on the topic. They might include journals, newspapers, art collections, or other materials. To find databases that best fit your research question, check the research guide for your field, ask a librarian, or search the database listings.

Research Guides

The library has so many resources available - how do you know which one you need?

A great place to begin is a Research Guide. Research guides offer a tailored list of the most appropriate library resources so you can get started with your research right away. Most guides offer resources meant to help with a particular subject or class, but there are also more general help guides. Browse guides by subject, course, special topics, and author. 

Use our Find an Expert page if you have subject-specific questions.