home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services New! A Sensory Room in Ellis Library!

New! A Sensory Room in Ellis Library!

Ellis Library Study Room 2E21 has been redesigned to incorporate sensory & well-being features! Located on the second floor, just east of the reading room, the room now contains acoustic panels to reduce noise, a faux plant for a natural feel, a dimmable color-changing lamp, and a ball chair and mat for flexible seating. All students can reserve and use the room for sensory needs, studying, or relaxation.
Sensory rooms are spaces designed with calming or stimulating features—such as lights, sounds, textures, and interactive items—to support relaxation, focus, and sensory regulation. These rooms are often used to reduce stress, improve focus and are especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed or need help staying engaged.

In addition to the space, sensory kits and items are now available to borrow at the North Service Desk. Sensory items can be tools, toys, or materials designed to stimulate or calm one or more senses. They’re often used for sensory regulation, focus, stress relief, or therapeutic purposes. They can be useful for people with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing needs, but they’re helpful for anyone. Items available include: yoga mats with poses, a meditation cushion, noise-dampening ear muffs, a SAD lamp, a weighted lap blanket, and a white noise machine. The available sensory kits are: fidgets, self-soothing items, mindfulness & meditation and self-care.

For pictures and more information, see the Sensory & Wellbeing in the Library LibGuide.

home Staff news Open Studio Portraits

Open Studio Portraits

Contact Shannon Cary for a MOCode if you want to get a new headshot.

Information about Open Studio Portraits

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Mizzou Libraries Acquire SAGE Impact Collection

Mizzou Libraries Acquire SAGE Impact Collection

Mizzou Libraries have acquired the SAGE Impact Collection, expanding access to a wide range of digital resources that support research, teaching and student success. The collection provides perpetual access to SAGE learning resources—including academic books, videos, datasets, business cases, and Sage Research Methods alongside the SAGE Premier Journal Package, which includes more than 1,000 peer-reviewed journals.

Vice Provost Kara Whatley states, “This acquisition represents a strategic investment in the university’s academic mission, and is in alignment with institutional priorities around affordability, research excellence and digital learning. By securing the collection as a portfolio‑level acquisition, Mizzou Libraries can deliver significantly more content and long‑term value than would be possible through individual purchases.”

The acquisition also includes a Read & Publish agreement that covers open access publishing costs for University of Missouri authors in SAGE journals, helping remove financial barriers to sharing research. With seamless Canvas integration, accessibility features, and dedicated faculty engagement support, the SAGE Impact Collection strengthens affordability, interdisciplinary learning and research visibility across campus.

Sage Impact Collection

Contact your subject librarian for more information.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Special Collections and Archives Special Collections and University Archives Returns to West With More Accessibility

Special Collections and University Archives Returns to West With More Accessibility

The Special Collections and University Archives, which were temporarily housed in Ellis Library on 4 East, will return to their permanent location on 4 West on April 1. The units will be closed March 31 through April 2 and will reopen in their 4 West space on Friday, April 3.

The stairlift on the staircase leading from the third floor to 4 West has been replaced with a new vertical lift.

Thank you for your patience during this improvement, which will provide enhanced accessibility to the 4 West area.

home Staff news MULSA Officers Needed for 2026-2027

MULSA Officers Needed for 2026-2027

Get involved with the Mizzou Libraries’ staff association and help us continue making the Libraries a welcoming and supportive place to work. MULSA brings people together through social events, keeps our staff lounge running, and offers thoughtful support to colleagues during meaningful moments. To keep this positive momentum going, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the MULSA board. We’ll have openings for vice-president, treasurer, Ellis staff lounge chair and community service chair. If you’re interested in contributing to this fun, collaborative and rewarding group, please reach out to the MULSA president, Shannon Cary.

home Staff news Special Collections and Archives Moving Back to 4 West

Special Collections and Archives Moving Back to 4 West

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.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Book a Librarian for Research Help

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.

home Staff news Freedom To Read Foundation Conable Scholarship Application Is Open

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.

home Cycle of Success, Gateway Carousel, Staff news Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Undergraduate Research

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.

Student photo
1st Place Winner, Lucy Banion
First place, a $1,000 scholarship, was awarded to Lucy Banion for her senior thesis, “’Saving Muslim Women:’ How Language Justifies Intervention Through USAID Family Planning Programs in Pakistan Between 1965–1979 and 2001–2018.” Ms. Banion impressed the selection committee with a detailed and compelling research statement, as well as her persistence in working with a challenging but critically important source base. Her project drew extensively on an online archive of historical USAID documents that became available after the agency was dismantled, demonstrating both methodological skill and a strong commitment to uncovering complex historical narratives.

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.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Lockers With Chargers Available in Ellis Library

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.