Western History Collections
Information
The Western History Collections is a special research collection within the University of Oklahoma Libraries system. Its purpose is to enhance the University Libraries general collection on the history of the American West, to support the research and teaching programs of the University of Oklahoma, and to provide opportunities for research through the acquisition, preservation, and access of materials relating to the development of the Trans-Mississippi West and Native American cultures.
Western History Collections
The Western History Collections encompass multiple collection areas:
- University Archives. The University Archives contain the history of the University. Many types of resources may be found in the University Archives, including Presidential Papers, Publications, and College Archives.
- Photographic Archives. The core of the Photographic Archives is comprised of photographs of the University of Oklahoma, Native Americans in Oklahoma and the West, the development of Oklahoma cities and towns, and images of the range cattle industry in the West.
- Manuscripts. The Western History Collections holds over 2,000 collections of primary textual materials (manuscripts) on Oklahoma and the West. These collections offer unique opportunities for scholarly research on the history and culture of the Trans-Mississippi West and Native Americans.
- Map and Poster Collections. The Western History Collections has maps and posters that complement the manuscript materials. Map collections include 5,200 maps of Oklahoma, Indian Territory, and surrounding areas, documenting the history and development of Oklahoma from its inception as Indian Territory in 1836 to its present status as the 46th state in the union. Poster collections include over 900 posters depicting advertisements for wild west shows, patent medicines, Native American art, and Oklahoma political candidates, as well as American propaganda posters for World Wars I and II.
- Sound Recordings. The sound recordings collection has over 2,500 cassette tapes, vinyl records, compact discs, and reels containing both music and the spoken word in many languages. They include Native American songs and folklore, oral histories by Oklahoma pioneers and historical figures, classical and folk music, books on tape, radio programs, and recordings related to University of Oklahoma history.
Notable Initiatives
Instruction Services
Curators and staff of the Western History Collections encourage faculty members to integrate special collections materials into their class plans, and we welcome discussions with faculty about our resources and about the use of the collections for teaching and research. Visit our Instruction Services page to learn more.
Research Services
We work to facilitate access to our collections materials for both on and offsite researchers. In our Reading Room, users can access physical items. Digital items are available through our digital collections and archival collection finding aids. Our Western History Collections experts are also available for consultations. Visit our Research Services page for more information.
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. Pre-registration and consultation with a librarian are recommended prior to arrival, especially for non-local visitors.