ETL History

The History of the Mary L. Williams Education and Teaching Library

Established in 1957 as a laboratory for both teachers and librarians, the ETL provides materials for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade as well as professional and pedagogical materials for educators.

A library like the ETL was the dream of Della Thomas (ETL Librarian, 1957-1969) and Edmon Low (OSU Library Director, 1940-67). The original ETL was located on the fourth floor of the Edmon Low Library. In the early 1960s, the ETL moved to the fifth floor of the Library In 1990, the ETL moved to South Murray Hall.

In 1995, Oklahoma State University renovated Willard Hall for use by the College of Education, In 1996, a generous gift from the Mary L. William's Estate furnished the ETL with new furniture and equipment. The ETL then moved to Willard Hall. Never before had the ETL been located in the same building as the College of Education. This has allowed students and faculty in the College of Education easy access to the ETL materials and has increased ETL usage dramatically. Furniture and equipment were again updated in 2015.

Today, the ETL strives to serve the entire College of Education. The ETL focuses on outreach to students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community with an increased emphasis on its pedagogical and professional collections.