General Information

Department of Special Collections
McFarlin Library
University of Tulsa
2933 East 6th Street
Tulsa OK  74104-3123
U.S.A.
Telephone:  918-631-2496     Fax:  918-631-5022

The University observes the following holiday schedule: 

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Thanksgiving break (last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in November)
• Christmas Eve (December 24th) through New Year's Day (January 1st)

We recommend that readers planning a trip to Tulsa confirm our service hours for the dates they expect to be visiting.

• Area Map
• Printable Campus Map
• Driving directions to the TU Campus

Librarian of Special Collections and University Archives
I. Marc Carlson
E-mail: marc-carlson@utulsa.edu
Telephone: 918-631-2882
Fax:  918-631-5022

Special Collections Cataloger
Kay Calkins
E-mail: kay-calkins@utulsa.edu
Telephone: 918-631-2866
Fax:  918-631-5022

Special Collections Paraprofessional:
Milissa A. Burkart
E-mail: milissa-burkart@utulsa.edu
Telephone: 918-631-2877
Fax:  918-631-5022

Special Collections Assistant:
Julie Layman
E-mail: julie-layman@utulsa.edu
Telephone: 918-631-2496
Fax:  918-631-5022

• Reading Room:  3096
• 4th Floor:          3483
• 3rd Floor:          3482
• Seminar Room:  3550

We welcome your visit to the Department of Special Collections.

To make your visit as time efficient and comfortable as possible, may we suggest that you

• Call or email us to schedule your visit.  If you know ahead of time what materials you would like to use, we will have your requested materials pulled so that you can begin your research upon arrival.  Finding aids for our manuscript and historical collections are provided on this site to help you refine your request as much as possible. 

• Complete the "Reader's Application" (if you will be using manuscript or historical collection materials) and return it to us by fax, mail, or email; or you may present it upon your arrival.

• Forms may be found on the forms page.

• Bring only what you need.  You may use a laptop in the Reading Room, or pencil and notepad if you prefer.  No other material is allowed in the Reading Room without the permission of the Head of Special Collections.  Small lockers are provided to secure your personal items while you are doing your research.

• Dress in layers.  The Reading Room can be sometimes chilly and sometimes warm, regardless of the season.

Due to the Library's current renovations, we should warn you that there may be noise.  Please bear with us.

The following guidelines are observed  in the Special Collections Reading Room regardless of the reader's time constraints; please allow sufficient time to conduct your research.  Failure or refusal to follow  these guidelines will result in loss of research privileges.

• No food or drink is allowed in the Reading Room.

• Laptops , PDAs, and tablets may be used in the Reading Room

• All bags, purses, backpacks, computer cases, etc. are not allowed in the Reading Room.  Small lockers are provided to secure your personal items while you are doing your research.

• Cell phone ringers must be turned off or set to vibrate and all calls must be taken outside of the department.

• Please respect other readers who may be present during your visit by keeping conversation and other noise to a minimum.

• All Special Collections materials must be used in the Reading Room--they may not be borrowed,  checked out, or taken to other areas of the library,

• Materials for the taking of notes are permitted in the Reading Room.  Laptops are permitted.  Handwritten notes must be taken in pencil.  Pens and hi-lighters are not allowed under any circumstances.

• Please plan your research time carefully.  Due to limited department staff, no more than 8 boxes of manuscript material will be pulled for you in one day.

• Please handle materials with care.  Do not cradle books on the lap or legs.  A staff member will assist you in the proper handling of materials and will be on hand to provide book supports, lighting, and magnification needs.  Please do not write on, trace over, or lean on the materials.

• The use of cameras is allowed, but only with prior permission from the Head of Special Collections.