Special Research Collections
Information
The University of Oklahoma Libraries’ Special Research Collections advances innovative scholarship, transformative learning and the preservation of invaluable cultural heritage. The division serves researchers and community members by providing access to a variety of primary and secondary source materials, many of which are unique to the University of Oklahoma. Our holdings include rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, sound recordings and artifacts. Our curators actively pursue strategic collection growth to continue to advance our institutional mission.
Access Special Research Collections
The Special Research Collections division of the Libraries is led by Michael Szajewski, Associate Dean for Special Research Collections. Use the following links to access our materials and services:
- Bizzell 5th Floor Special Research Collections- houses five of our individual collections: the American School of Architecture Archive, the Harry W. Bass Business History Collection, the History of Science Collections, the John and Mary Nichols Rare Books and Special Collections and the William Bennett Bizzell Bible Collection.
- Chinese Literature Translation Archive- provides students and scholars with a wide range of rare books, reference materials, translation drafts, correspondence, notes, ephemera and other historical materials that provide context for Western readers to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese literature.
- Western History Collections- contains more than 80,000 books, 2,700 manuscript collections and 2 million historic photographs that are a rich resource for the study of the American West.
To get access to our collections materials, visit the Search Special Research Collections page or make an appointment to visit the Western History Collections in Monnet Hall, the Chinese Literature Translation Archive on Bizzell's 4th floor, or the Bizzell 5th Floor Special Research Collections for all other collections.
Our Collecting Areas
Browse our collecting areas and find out how to access our materials:
Notable Projects
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 Collections materials in order to enhance scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. We invite you to explore the new beta site and share your feedback to help us improve.
Image Gallery
FAQ
Appointments are suggested for visits to OU Libraries Special Research Collections. See the individual collection pages for information about access and holdings. Pre-registration and consultation with a librarian are recommended prior to arrival, especially for non-local visitors.