Answered By: Reference Librarians
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2019     Views: 250

What is the history of the Beam Library?

The Beam Library is situated at the center of the campus and is a focal point of learning for OC. The library provides a variety of information resources and information literacy instruction to support the learning environment and educational programs of the university.

Since 1965, the library has been located in the Mabee Learning Center. In 1985, the library doubled its size and enhanced its appearance after the Learning Center was completely remodeled. Following this expansion, the library received two major grants to purchase the SIRSI integrated library system and fully automate the library catalog and other functions of the library. Since that time, OC has constantly increased the amount of online resources accessible through the library.

In 1996, the physical space for the library grew again by acquiring space on the second floor of the Learning Center for the curriculum lab, juvenile books, and Restoration History Collection. In 1999, the Oklahoma Christian University Library was named after Tom and Ada Beam. Mr. and Mrs. Beam were dedicated and long-time supporters of the university and the library is proud to carry their name.