Mormonism: Guide to Materials and Resources: Globalization Era (1945-present)

After World War II, the study of Mormonism became more prominent, resulting in a number of useful secondary sources, fieldwork projects, and theses or dissertations unique to USU. Beginning with the presidency of David O. McKay (1951-1970) the LDS Church established a permanent presence in countries around the world, including:

• The church consolidated its publications in the 1970s, translating periodicals and scriptures into multiple languages
• Latter-day Saints became involved in many of the political controversies of the era, including debates over the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
• Media - radio, television, and the internet - became a valuable tool for the distribution of religious content throughout the worldwide church
• Groups ranging from evangelical Christians to feminists and LGBTQ activists, as well as many dissenters from within the church, were openly critical of LDS Church doctrines and policies

Special Collections & Archives records for this time period are diverse, with many - such as historical post cards, oral histories, and some visual histories - available digitally. Others, such as the Gary Horlacher surveys or the Mormons for ERA collection, address the growing scope of Mormon scholarship in relation to LGBTQ+ rights and gender politics.

Journals & Autobiographies

Local Leadership & Congregations

Utah State University's location in Cache Valley, Utah contains a good deal of rich history, much of which is related to Mormonism. The city was founded in 1859 by Mormon settlers, and maintains a large population of Latter-day Saints. Over time Special Collections & Archives has collected a number of congregational records, commemorative histories, and information about historical religious leaders.

Anti-Mormon Publications

Individuals, organizations, or publications that are directly critical of the LDS church and its doctrines are often referred to as being anti-Mormon, although many of these individuals or groups would not identify with that term. Regardless, these resources can provide insight into contemporary attitudes toward Mormonism. 

Mormon Life

Non-LDS Group Publications

Non-English Resources

As the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown over the years, more and more texts have been produced or translated in a variety of languages. Special Collections & Archives houses some of these resources, including a number of Book of Mormon translations.