Exhibitions
Information
Overview
The University of Oklahoma Libraries exhibition program aims to improve awareness of the libraries' collections, strengthen the community's engagement with the library, and foster the intellectual curiosity that stems from interdisciplinary research and scholarship.
Through our exhibitions program we work to enlighten and enrich all University Libraries visitors through the presentations of collections materials and scholarship focusing on intellectual and cultural topics. We work to foster a broader and deeper understanding of the library’s role as the intellectual hub of the campus; a crossroads that connects disparate fields of knowledge and facilitates a broad and diverse community. Our exhibitions reveal the deep interdisciplinary connections within the university community through inclusion and collaboration which create enduring relationships. Such projects engage students in undergraduate and graduate research with faculty participation through building exhibition content, programming, and easy access to exhibition-related resources which increase awareness and use of our University Libraries Special Collections and their invaluable primary resource materials. In the end, it is not only about the artifacts that are displayed within the cases, it is about the conversations that result from spending time within these exhibits.
About this Team
Our Exhibitions program is led by Dr. James Burnes, Senior Exhibits Coordinator. His work supports the Special Research Collections team.
Exhibitions will:
- Enrich the experience of all visitors to the University Libraries through the presentation of scholarly and culturally significant stories that are told through our collections;
- Foster a broader and deeper understanding of the University Libraries’ role as the intellectual hub of the campus, a crossroads that connects disparate fields of knowledge while engaging a diverse community;
- Support teaching, life-long learning, research, and community engagement through exhibition content, programming, and access to exhibition-related resources;
- Create enduring relationships through collaborations with other university departments, related educational or cultural institutions, and local communities;
- Increase the visibility of our collections by demonstrating their diversity, complexity, value, and impact to local, regional, and national audiences.
Notable Projects
120 Years of the Pride of Oklahoma Exhibition
September 2024-May 2025
This exhibit in Bizzell Memorial Library featured images, replicas, and Pride of Oklahoma memorabilia celebrating 120 years of the Pride of Oklahoma marching band. Visitors were able to see videos, past uniforms, and even the prestigious Sudler Trophy for Marching Bands.
Read the article: Pride of Oklahoma Celebrates 120 Years with Exhibit at Bizzell Memorial Library
History of Science Collection’s Mary Anning Exhibit
January 2023-May 2023
This exhibit showcased the life and work of Mary Anning, "The Mother of Dragons", a woman whose fossil discoveries had a vital impact on the study of paleontology. This exhibit was possible through the collection donation from British historian Hugh S. Torrens and his wife Shirley.
Read the article: The History of Science Collection’s Mary Anning Exhibit Attracts Scholars to the Work of a Pioneering Woman in Paleontology
Past Exhibits
Past exhibits featured in Bizzell include Galileo's World and From Tragedy to Triumph: Race Massacre Survivor Stories. See our Past Exhibits page for more information.
Image Gallery
FAQ
The University of Oklahoma provides spaces for short-term, low-cost exhibitions within Bizzell Memorial Library and branch libraries. Short-term exhibits are meant to highlight the research, teaching, and programs at the University of Oklahoma.
Use the contact information above to get in touch.