It was named after Harry Lee Waterfield, a graduate of Murray State University and a Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.

[2] In the early to mid-1970s, the university was faced with a growing demand for a new library, as the old one had been outgrown by both collection size and student population.

Since the third floor had previously been used to house books and journals, library staff and faculty had to sort through these pieces and ensure important works were available on digital databases before clearing out the physical copies.

The library's remaining electrical systems were modernized and the main floor restrooms were made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

[8] Over time the library has been renovated to accommodate changing trends in technology and the evolving concept of a modern facility.

During the fall 2014 and spring 2015 semesters: Students can make 40-minute appointments to work one-on-one with consultants at any stage in the writing process.