Special Collections and University Archives is moving back to 4 West on the morning of April 1st. These departments will be closed from March 31 to April 2 and will reopen on April 3.
Shannon Cary
Book a Librarian for Research Help
Whether you are starting your first research project or have written a dozen articles, you can benefit from a consultation with a librarian. It’s free and you can book online in advance according to your schedule.
Librarians can meet with you virtually or in-person.
MU Students can use Canvas to schedule an appointment via MU Connect* and meet with the librarian assigned to your class. Students, if you book a research consultation with a librarian, you can earn a point towards your S.T.A.R. recognition.
MU Faculty and Staff can fill out the form to schedule an appointment.
*What is MU Connect, and how do you use it? Watch this short video to find out and make an appointment today.
Freedom To Read Foundation Conable Scholarship Application Is Open
The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) offers an annual scholarship for library school students and new professionals to attend ALA’s Annual Conference. The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Gordon held dear: intellectual freedom and mentoring.
The Conable Scholarship provides for conference registration, transportation, housing (six nights), and a $300 stipend for meals and other expenses.
The recipient will also receive a one-year membership to the Freedom to Read Foundation. In return, the recipient will be expected to attend various Freedom to Read Foundation and other intellectual freedom meetings and programs at the conference, consult with a mentor, and present a report about their experiences and thoughts. Application deadline April 3, 2026. Apply here.
Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Undergraduate Research
Two students have been recognized with scholarship awards for exceptional undergraduate research projects, earning top honors for the depth, rigor, and originality of their work.
Second place, a $500 scholarship, was awarded to Ava S. O’Bryan for her honors research project in music education, “Literature Review: Chamber Music in K–12 Music Education.” Ms. O’Bryan’s work stood out for its deep engagement with the subject and her ability to bring a wide range of theoretical and empirical sources into thoughtful and critical conversation across time. The committee noted the sophistication of her analysis and the clarity with which she synthesized scholarship from multiple perspectives.
Together, these projects reflect the high level of undergraduate research excellence and the meaningful contributions students are making across disciplines.
Lockers With Chargers Available in Ellis Library
Looking for a place to store your items and charge your phone? Personal storage lockers with USB chargers are available in Ellis Library, next to the elevators on the main floor.
These lockers are free to use, but a Mizzou TigerCard (MU ID) is required for access. If you do not have a physical MU ID, you can check out a temporary ID at the North Service Desk, which will allow you to use the lockers. These lockers were purchased with funds from the Enhance Mizzou student fee.
Spacesaver Lockers
- There are two USB charger ports to charge electronic devices in each locker. Chargers are available at the Check Out and Information Desk.
- You can only use one locker at a time.
- Lockers can only be used for one day at a time. Any items left in the lockers overnight will be taken to Lost and Found at the Ellis Library West Entrance Desk.
Instructions
- Push on the door to open the locker door. Available lockers have a green light on the numbered panel. Occupied lockers have a red light.
- Put Items in the locker. Charge electronic devices by plugging into USB charger ports.
- Close locker door. Press your Mizzou TigerCard against the numbered panel to lock the door. The light will turn red. Remember your locker number.
- Open the locked door by pressing your Mizzou TigerCard against the numbered panel. The light will turn green and the door will open.
Contact the West or North Service desks if you have any problems using the lockers.
In the News
“A first gift and a lasting legacy: The heart behind Mizzou Giving Day”
Show Me Mizzou, March 4, 2026
“MU student crates exhibit showcasing Missouri artists for Black History Month”
KOMU, Feb. 22, 2026
Mizzou Libraries Launch New Strategic Plan to Strengthen Learning, Discovery and Community Impact
The University of Missouri Libraries has unveiled a new strategic plan that sets a clear, values‑driven direction for the Libraries’ future as the University’s scholarly home. Grounded in sustainability, adaptability and service to the Mizzou community, the plan outlines how the Libraries will focus resources, strengthen impact and support teaching, learning and research across the University.
“Mizzou Libraries are essential to the University’s scholarly environment,” the plan states, emphasizing a commitment to empowering everyone at Mizzou to explore, learn and discover. The strategic plan affirms the Libraries’ role in delivering services and resources that help every member of the University community thrive while adapting in strategic, creative and sustainable ways to meet current realities.
Central to the strategic plan are clearly defined strategic priorities, each supported by objectives designed to guide action and measure progress. These priorities build on the Libraries’ existing strengths while ensuring that future efforts remain visible, relevant and meaningful to Mizzou and the broader community:
- Sustainable Revitalization: Recalibrate and revitalize programs, spaces and practices to match current realities and resources. By focusing on what is achievable and meaningful, the Libraries will deliver visible wins, strengthen morale, and focus energy where it matters most, laying the groundwork for the Libraries’ future.
- Every Student’s Success: Building on the Libraries’ strengths in supporting undergraduates to support students at every level. These avenues of support prepare students for a changing digital landscape and reflect that the Libraries are a cornerstone to every student’s success.
- Revealing Research: Showcase the Libraries’ role in creating, preserving and connecting Mizzou’s research to the world. By surfacing its role in the research process, securing durable digital infrastructure, and leveraging campus and statewide partnerships, the Libraries will ensure Mizzou’s research is visible, valued and impactful.
- The Library and Our Land-Grant Mission: Advance Mizzou’s land-grant mission by extending knowledge, expertise and resources beyond campus to serve the people of Missouri. Through statewide and system-wide partnerships, distinct local collections, and services responsive to community needs, the Libraries will share knowledge and tools to support the people of Missouri.
Throughout the plan, Mizzou Libraries reaffirm their core values: engaging staff and partners with respect, celebrating Mizzou’s excellence in research and creativity, and fostering a culture of learning, assessment and continuous improvement. These values guide decision‑making and underscore the Libraries’ commitment to serving students, faculty staff and researchers at every stage of their academic journeys.
Welcome to Heba Abd El Salem
The Mizzou Libraries are pleased to announce that Heba Abd El Salam has been appointed as the Languages, Literatures and Digital Humanities Librarian. Her work combines librarianship, public history and anthropology, focusing on cultural heritage, migration and community-engaged scholarship. She is deeply committed to public service and education, which informs her approach to research support, teaching, outreach and digital humanities initiatives.
Heba began her library career as a graduate assistant at the undergraduate library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her degree from the School of Library and Information Science and a graduate certificate in digital humanities. During her graduate studies, she led an outreach project that connected immigrant communities with the history, art and culture of North Carolina and directed a multilingual digital exhibition showcasing the history of the Triangle area.
Before pursuing a career in library science, Heba earned a PhD in public history from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Central Florida. She has led cultural heritage preservation projects in Egypt and has experience as a program advisor at the American Research Center in Egypt, as well as a cultural heritage consultant at the American School of Overseas Research. Her focus has been on outreach, research and cultural heritage preservation. Additionally, Heba’s professional training includes internships at the British Museum in London and the Center for Cultural Heritage at Heidelberg University in Germany. She also served as a teaching fellow at Duke University.
Current Search Committee Members
Health Sciences Instruction Librarian
Rebecca Graves, Chair
Megan Ballengee
Piper Brown-Kingsley
Ralph Sieli
Deidre Wipke Tevis
Journalism Librarian
Jeannette Pierce, Chair
Navadeep Khanal
Peter Kouba
Tom Warhover, Journalism Faculty
Jennilyn Wiley
Social Sciences & Government Information Services Librarian
Rhonda Whithaus, Chair
Marie Concannon
Jeannette Pierce
Colleen Smith
In the News
“State Historical Society exhibit highlights 100 years of Black history”
Columbia Missourian, Feb. 18, 2026
“Mizzou makes updates to campus security and Ellis library hours”
The Maneater, Feb. 20, 2026