UCO Chambers Library & Special Collections(63/64)

EDMOND

I knew that there were a few collections on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, so I chose a beautiful autumn day to go investigate. I had some other stops I wanted to make like the Melton Gallery, a must see by the way. My final stop before my parking permit expired was the Library. I was directed upstairs where I found an amazing collection of things from some of the museums on campus. It was like highlight displays of the collections around the school like the history lab, the natural history museum, and the fashion museum. Honestly, if I had only seen this exhibit, it would have made for a great day out snooping. Fortunately, there was even more in store for me in the Archives Library. I combined these two since they are right next to each other on the second floor of the UCO library.

In the photos below, I separated the Special Collections and the Archive Library so you can get a sense of what's where. In the SC, there are so many great things to see like sculptures, artifacts, historical objects, textiles, and taxidermied animals. It was like being in a tiny but diverse and well curated museum of its own. And it was justs humbly sitting on the second floor of the library among the tables where students can quietly study, or in the case of one student I saw, take a quick nap. HA! Been there, kid! When I had completed my tour of the Special Collections area, I made my way into the Archive Library. A very kind and knowledgable student was at the desk and let me know what kind of things they had in the large room I was standing in. One particularly cool thing was the collection of doctoral dissertations from past students. These binders had their own set of shelves where you could select one and read it. No checking those out, but you could sit at one of the tables and read them. There were also some fantastic historical items that are school related. Even though I didn't attend UCO, it was fun to see college life in Edmond throughout history.

I have another trip or two to UCO to see all the collections that they have on campus. I can't wait to see them all! I'll remember to add enough time on the pay to park app so I can take my time and see all the great things that the University of Central Oklahoma has to share with us. There is much more on campus and in the library than what I saw, so I'll have another post about all of those things. Until then, go to the library and see for yourself!

100 N. University Dr., Edmond

405- 974-3361

Entry Fee: Free

Hours: Sun-Sat: 24 Hours

https://library.uco.edu/home

Jonathan Elmore ©2025