Introducing the History of OK Libraries Ad Hoc Committee!

Did you know that the Oklahoma Library Commission and OLA published Oklahoma Libraries 1900-1937; a History and Handbook? This little tome is full of information about the early days of Oklahoma library history through 1937—but that body of information is about to grow.

During the University & College Division’s 2021 workshop, a presenter guided an interactive session on creating an open educational resource (OER) about the history of Oklahoma libraries. Some attendees expressed interest in actualizing this project beyond learning how to create OER, so we formed a sub-committee for UCD. However, we quickly realized the scope needed broadening to include OLA members from all kinds of libraries! Then, in June 2021, the OLA Executive Board approved the creation of an ad hoc committee on the History of OK Libraries.

The 2021-2022 members are as follows:

Shay Beezley, University of Central Oklahoma (Convener)
Alyson Blankenship, Southern Oklahoma Library System
Allison Boyer, Lifeshare of Oklahoma
Phillip Fitzsimmons, SWOSU
Karen Haught, College of The Muscogee Nation
Casey Lowry, East Central University
Linda Pye, Retired (SWOSU)
Elaine Regier, OSU-OKC
Angela Robertson, Pioneer Library System - Moore Public Library
Michelle Skinner, Chickasha Public Library
Saidah Yakasai, Metropolitan Library System
Bill Young, Oklahoma Department of Libraries

The committee is hard at work developing an action plan for Year 1 of this project. Some of the work we’d like to do include:

• Researching the feasibility of making the Oklahoma Librarian archive searchable
• Gathering all information resources relating to Oklahoma libraries
• Finding fun facts to share with you on OLA’s social media channels

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the year!