Western History Collections Research Services
Service Overview
This page provides an overview for using the Western History Collections in your research.
Our team is available for research consultations and to answer any questions you may have about our collections materials.
Due to their designation as special collections items, our physical materials are not available for borrowing. However, we offer access for on-site viewing by appointment and provide free digital access to many items through our online collections.
What We Offer
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.
- Research consultations
- Western History Collections library
- Instruction support
- Digital Collections
Get Started
Working with Onsite Materials
Research appointments are required, since many collection materials are stored offsite. The appointment scheduler has space to list the materials that you need or to note that you need assistance identifying resources.
Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Pre-registration through the appointment process is required. When you arrive in Monnet Hall, take the stairs to Room 300 or press 5 in the elevator. The elevator is near the south entrance of the building. Stop at the reference desk, and check in with a photo ID. You will be asked to place your bags in the designated area. We have closed stacks (no browsing) and all materials will be brought by a staff member to your table for viewing.
How to Request Materials for Viewing
Contact the Western History Collections to view all books, manuscripts, photos, and other materials on site in our reading room in Monnet Hall, Room 300.
There are a couple of different ways to request materials for viewing in the Reading Room:
- Request items via a link in the Local Catalog record
- Use our online booking system to make an appointment and include item info on the form
- Send a request through the Western History Collections Contact Form
Offsite Researchers
Researchers can contact us to determine what materials might be available online for their topic or to request scans of collection materials.
Various Special Research Collections materials can be found online:
- Archival Collection Finding Aids. This database contains finding aids for archival collections at the University of Oklahoma Libraries.
- Discover. Use the Special Research Collections search scope to limit Discover results to collection items.
- Digital Collections. This repository provides access to material digitized from our collections.
These resources are compiled on our Search Special Research Collections page.
Contact Information
FAQs
We’re happy to talk about our collections! Come visit us in Monnet Hall Room 300, or schedule a consultation with us.
The WHC is located in Monnet Hall on the Norman campus of the University of Oklahoma in Room 300. Monnet Hall (the former Law building), is directly to the west of Oklahoma Memorial Student Union.
The south entrance to Monnet Hall is accessible by ramp and automatic opener. The elevator is located just inside this entrance. In the elevator, press 5 to go to the reading room.
Note: from the 5th floor elevator landing, the reading room is only accessible by five stair steps, not by elevator. Visitors who require access by elevator should contact the Western History Collections at 405-325-3641 for additional assistance.