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Visit 5th Floor Special Research Collections

A consultation between two people in a room on the 5th floor of Bizzell

Information

(405) 325-2760
lib-hos@ou.edu
Bizzell Memorial Library, 5th Floor
Contact Us

There are five Special Research Collections housed on the 5th floor of Bizzell Memorial Library: The American School of Architecture Archive, Harry W. Bass Business History Collection, History of Science Collections, John and Mary Nichols Rare Books & Special Collections and William Bennett Bizzell Bible Collection. To visit, use the west side stairs or elevators (closest to the Loveridge Computer Lab) to the 5th floor.

We recommend appointments for in-person research to ensure materials are onsite for your visit. Some items require 48 hours notice for delivery. Please see the Research Services page for information about researching at 5th Floor Special Research Collections. 

Resources and Services Available

Our team is happy to answer questions about the 5th Floor Special Research Collections. Contact us for more information.

  • We are happy to arrange for tours and group visits, each year we host visits from local as well as national groups. Keep in mind, our schedule does fill up quickly and we require advanced notice of tour groups.
  • One-on-one assistance: You can request additional assistance from a staff member while you are onsite or after you leave.
  • Consultations: We are happy to discuss your research topic before you schedule an appointment to identify relevant materials for your visit. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.

Featured Spaces and Collections

Duane H. D. Roller Reading Room

The reading room is for patrons and researchers who will be viewing 5th floor collections materials. To help individuals focus and for security of materials, it is not a public space.

Browsable Reference Nook

Our reading nook contains a browsable reference section for the History of Science Collections to get a start on your research. There is also a children’s books section that covers a variety of topics in history and science.

Mary R. Murphy and Walter H. Murphy Exhibit Hall

Our exhibit hall currently houses a display of items from each of our collections.

The Barbara Brite Paul Grand Foyer

The 5th floor foyer houses many unique items such as the History of Science Screen, the Scientific Instrument Collection, and many display cases that highlight pieces of our named collections.

FAQ

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 Murphy Exhibit Hall and Reading Room, and when collections materials are present for tours and instruction.

Currently, the Gaylord Room is closed to the public. The curatorial team does offer tours roughly 1-2 times a semester. Contact us for more information about this!

We do offer tours and have worked with many non-OU entities over the years. We ask that you reach out through our contact form to book a tour. It is advised to reach out early, as our calendar fills up quickly between classes and tours in our spaces.

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Parking on Campus

Visit Campus

The reading room is limited to patrons and researchers viewing 5th floor collections items. Individuals who are looking to study but not viewing materials will be able to find available study areas throughout the library or reserve spaces on lower level one by visiting the Rooms & Spaces page.