Time to Think >
Time to Think: Open University Journeys in British and Irish prisons during the years of conflict 1972-2000 is an Open University Ireland oral history collection.
Shakespeare exhibition >
A selection of clips from the OU Archive exploring the OU's teaching of Shakespeare. This exhibition was created to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth in 2014.
OU Information programmes >
A selection of TV programmes broadcast between 1971 and 1993 to support OU students and inform them and other viewers about the University. Includes programmes with OU founders Jennie Lee and Harold Wilson.
Historical OU Images >
Over 160 photographs from 1969 onwards. The collection includes campus views, key figures in the history of the OU, and events such as graduation ceremonies.
The OU Digital Archive contains Open University study materials and items relating to the history of the University. A small selection of materials is available to view online. The site also contains a larger catalogue of materials that are currently not available to view by everyone due to copyright restrictions. OU staff sign-in for full access.
Online Archive Materials
Browse our selection of publically available archive materials
Featured Item
Highlights from the Archive
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Lord Gerald Gardiner >
The latest feature in our series about pioneering staff of The Open University takes a closer look at the OU’s second Chancellor Gerald Gardiner.
Exhibitions
Visit our online exhibitions to explore archive materials on a particular theme
The OU Story >
A brief exploration of the history of The OU. Includes the creation of the OU, the growth of the organisation, expansion and consolidation, the changing student experience and The OU today.
The Jennie Lee Archive Collection >
This exhibition takes a look at the life of Jennie Lee, Baroness Lee of Asheridge, through some of the materials held in the Jennie Lee Archive collection at The Open University.
Contact the team
For help, information and advice regarding the OU Digital Archive contact the University Archive team:
You can also refer to the FAQs on Using digital archive content
Elsewhere at the OU
Library Services >
Your gateway to a wide range of online information
Study at the OU >
Details about current OU courses
OpenLearn >
Home of free OU learning materials
All content on this site is subject to the Open University Conditions of Use. Our Using OU Digital Archive content FAQ's provide further information.