Local Catalog

The Local Catalog is where you'll search to find stuff that OU Libraries own. Items like books, eBooks, textbooks, videos, etc. If you are looking for something specific, you can type the title or the author into the search box to see if the libraries owns a copy. If you are looking to see what the libraries has on a specific topic, you can type in keywords into the search box. 

How to Read Call Numbers

Books in OU Libraries are organized by a classification system call Library of Congress, which organizes books by subjects instead of authors or titles. If you never used the Library of Congress Classification numbers before, then this short video from the YouTube channel LibraryInstTeam explains how to read them.  Check out the rest of this page for information about where to find specific call numbers and how to use Sooner Xpress, a service that finds the books for you.

Call Number Locations

With two basement levels and five floors in Bizzell, plus a number of department libraries and storage locations, how can you know where to look for your book? A list of call number locations is available for Bizzell. If you are having trouble locating a book at Bizzell or any other location, ask an employee for assistance tracking it down. We love a good book hunt! Alternatively, you can always use Sooner Xpress to request a book - we'll find it for you and either have it ready for pick up at the OU library of your choosing or send it by mail. 

Sooner Xpress

We can get the books off of the shelves for you! You can place a Sooner Xpress request to have books collected for pick up at one of our locations, or mailed to you (you will have to pay for return shipping). If you select pickup, the books are usually ready in under 24 hours. If they are mailed to you, the delivery time will depend on shipping.

To request a book, the easiest way is to first find it in the catalog. Click on the book's title to view the full listing. Then, look for the "Request this item via Sooner Xpress" link. This will automatically fill in the form for you. Check that it filled in correctly and choose a delivery method, then submit your request.

Help @ the Circulation Desk

Within Bizzell Memorial Library, you can find circulation desks at both the west and south entrances to the library. Here, employees are on hand during all hours of operation to process materials, answer questions, and connect you with services throughout University Libraries. The main circulation desk is also the primary contact point for departments like Billing and Interlibrary Loan, and where you can check out materials on short-term loan, ranging from textbooks to laptops to even bike locks!