About the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah
The J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah is the “largest state-funded academic library in the six-state region of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.”[1] The library holds over 3 million volumes and more than 500 digital collections. Many of the library’s collections relate to the history of Utah and Mormonism more generally. The library boasts holdings pertaining to some of Mormonism’s most enigmatic figures including Fawn Brodie, H. Michael Marquardt, and Brigham Young.
Visiting the Library
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-6:00pm
Sat & Sun: 12:00pm-6:00pm
What Researchers Should Know
- The Special Collections Reading Room has more limited hours, generally from 10:00am – 4:00pm on weekdays. Appointments need to be made 48 in advance.
- The library utilizes their own catalog as well Archives West, which is a consortium of collections from regional libraries and institutions.
- On their religious studies page you can contact the religious studies librarian for help navigating collections related to Mormon Studies.
Utilizing the Library Digitally
Many sources in the library’s collections are digitized and available electronically in high resolution. In the “Digital Library” you can find digitized collections from the Chieko N. Okazaki papers, the Juanita Brooks Photograph Collection, and the George A. Smith papers. The library also has a robust conglomeration of digital exhibits including relevant Mormon Studies exhibits, such as an exhibit on the Women’s Exponent. The process of putting more collections online is ongoing.
Other Helpful Resources
The library has created many helpful research guides that deal with topics relevant to Mormonism such as a list of collections pertaining to the history of Utah and the West, Utah Architecture, and the Mountain West Digital Library.
Important Collections
The J. Willard Marriott Library has many of the most important collections for some of the most influential characters in Mormon history. Below is a representation of the breadth and importance of its collections.
- Fawn McKay Brodie papers, 1932-1983
- B. H. Roberts papers, 1825-1976
- H. Michael Marquardt papers, 1800-2017
- Lester E. Bush papers, 1809-1999
- Lowell Lindsay Bennion papers, 1928-1987
- Rudger Clawson papers, 1870-1943
- Emmeline B. Wells diaries [photocopies], 1844-1920
- Daughters of Utah Pioneers Camp 33 records, undated
- J. Golden Kimball papers, 1883-1981
- George Q. Cannon family papers, 1842-2005