Thank you for visiting the OSU Library. We have a new website! The former OSU Library website will be available until the end of the Fall 2026 semester. If you need assistance, please contact libraryhelp@okstate.edu.

X
OKSTATE.EDU
Edmon Low Library
and Branch Libraries

Search

Library History

Library History - Edmon Low Library

Old Central

The First Home of the OSU Library

While the Edmon Low Library building has only been here since 1953, OSU has had a library since the institution began. For several years the Library collection was housed in various homes and offices of the University faculty. It wasn't until 1894 that the Library found its first official home in Old Central. The Library shared a single room with the English department.

Edward F. Clark

Edward F. Clark

The First Librarian

On Oct. 4, 1892, faculty member Edward F. Clark, professor of mathematics, became the first librarian of OAMC, serving in that capacity until July 1, 1894.

The first accession record book used by Clark is now held in the Archives at the OSU Library. On March 28, 1893, Clark recorded the first book accessioned in the library. It was a work of English literature written by Henry Kirk White.

The first books in the library featured a bookplate listing the book’s location and the five rules of the library.

  • Students, members of the Faculty and Board of Regents only shall be entitled to draw books from the Library.
  • Students shall not take from the Library any book labeled “Book of Reference.”
  • Books drawn must be returned to the Library within two weeks.
  • Lost or damaged books must be reimbursed by the student.
  • Applications for books must be made to the Librarian.

Williams Hall

The Second Home of the OSU Library

Williams Hall was built in the early 1900’s, before the rapid modernization which occurred in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Originally simply called the Library Building, its unique characteristics earned it the nickname Castle of the Prairies.

Frank A. Hutto

Frank A. Hutto

The Sixth Librarian of OAMC

Frank A. Hutto, the sixth librarian of OAMC, served from 1899 to 1902. At the time of his arrival, the library held nearly five thousand volumes and received dozens of periodical subscriptions and many Oklahoma newspapers courtesy of publishers.

During Hutto’s tenure, he oversaw the move of the library collection from Old Central to the new Library Building, completed in 1901. The 1,610 square foot room was a major improvement over earlier spaces and was one of the first buildings on campus with electricity.

Cora Miltimore

In the summer of 1902, Hutto returned to the classroom, and Cora Miltimore was promoted to librarian. She was the first woman to hold the role and the first appointee devoted solely to the position. She resigned in 1914 after one of the longest early tenures.

Cora Miltimore
Students in the early library

U.S. Government Documents Depository

By 1914, an average of 900 students per day used the library. Hours expanded to 14.5 per weekday. Staff estimated the collection held 19,000 bound volumes, more than 50,000 pamphlets, and 50,000 unbound periodicals. That same year, the library was designated a U.S. government documents depository.

The Library Building

The Third Home of the OSU Library

As the collection continued to grow, library space became an issue. By 1920, plans were underway for a new building designed by architecture faculty Fredrick W. Redlich and Joseph J. Patterson. Completed in 1921, the first building devoted solely to the Library stood near Old Central and featured a modified Italian Renaissance design.

1921 reading room

Reading Room

The reading room of the new facility seated 250 and quickly became a central study space for students.

The Library collection now numbered 38,000 bound volumes and 50,000 unbound periodicals. Just seven years later, the stacks were overflowing. In 1932, the English department moved to another building and the Library expanded into the vacated rooms.

By 1949, the Library Building housed major departments, but portions of the collection and services remained distributed around campus. The Veterinary Medicine Library was designated a permanent branch in 1950.

Edmon Low Library

The Current Home of the OSU Library

The Edmon Low Library finished in 1953, is a focal point for campus pride. The library provides information and technology resources, extensive collections and a quiet place for students to work and study.

Library groundbreaking

Ground Breaking

The groundbreaking for the Edmon Low Library took place on May 28, 1950. President Henry G. Bennett worked closely with Director Edmon Low to plan the new Library, touring other universities and refining the design.

Edmon Low Library

In 1953, the Edmon Low Library opened in elegant Georgian style and quickly became a focal point of campus pride. Its six floors were designed to house one million volumes and seat 2,500 users. A 1968 addition increased the footprint by 40%.

Edmon Low Library
Roscoe Rouse and Mary O'Donnell

Roscoe Rouse, Jr.

Roscoe Rouse, Jr. succeeded Edmon Low in 1967 and brought mechanization to library operations, including the first computer owned by an academic library in Oklahoma.

Edward R. Johnson

Under Dean Edward R. Johnson (1987–2004), the Library modernized dramatically. PETE, the first automated catalog, revolutionized access. Services expanded to include enhanced Interlibrary Loan, extended hours, 24-hour access during finals, the Library Annex, and the student laptop checkout program. A café was added when food restrictions eased.

Ed Johnson

Dean Sheila Johnson

Today, under Dean Sheila Johnson, the OSU Library continues to embrace new technologies while maintaining its foundation of quality service.

Sheila Johnson

Popular Links

Request Forms Research Services About the OSU Libraries Friends of the Library Library Locations Off-Campus Access Library Jobs Give Us Feedback Library Hours
MENU CLOSE