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Archival Collection Finding Aids
This database contains finding aids for archival collections at the University of Oklahoma Libraries. The collections described include personal papers, archival records, photographs, maps, audio-visual materials, and ephemera located throughout the OU-Norman campus. To access the physical collections, please contact the individual collection unit or repository.Other Resources:
Additional archival collections at OU are in ARC.
Books in Special Collections are in the University Libraries' Catalog.
Digitized special collections materials are in the University Libraries' Digital Collections.
Other digitized library materials are in SHAREOK.
Statement on Inclusive Metadata
The University of Oklahoma Libraries is committed to describing archival materials with respect to the diversity of individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections.The Learning and Working Group on Metadata Justice formed out of this commitment, and is working on a number of projects to identify and address issues with the ways in which library and archival materials have been, and are currently, described in our collections.
Some reasons why researchers might encounter outdated and/or problematic language in this database:
- Some descriptive information does not make sense to change (names, place names, journal & article titles), or requires advocacy at national levels to do so (subject headings).
- When original folder titles exist, it is common practice to maintain those titles in description, out of respect for the creator and to better facilitate access to the materials
- The descriptive language used in ArchivesSpace was created by archivists and librarians over many decades, and it takes time to review and update decades of work.
Our understanding and interpretation of language evolves over time, and thus our work to identify and address problematic and outdated language in our collection descriptions will be ongoing. As we work towards creating a more inclusive research experience for all of our users, we invite users to reach out directly to members of the Metadata Justice Group with questions, comments, or concerns about language used in our collection descriptions.
