The MU campus plans to test the Ellis Library fire alarm system on Friday, November 7. The audible testing (with horns and strobes) will occur between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Typically, the alarms only sound for 5-10 minutes per building. After the audible testing, Midwest Electronic Systems will silence the system and test all the smoke detectors and pull stations quietly throughout the day.
Shannon Cary
Museum of Anthropology, Fall 2025 Newsletter
Cycle of Success: Medical Students Explore the Roots of Science at Ellis Library
When Dr. Richard J. Barohn, executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs, joined a group of medical students at Ellis Library’s Special Collections, his goal was for his students to learn about the history of science. Guided by Dr. John Henry Adams, an instruction and research librarian, the students explored some of Mizzou’s antiquarian science books in the fourth-floor classroom.
“Isaac Newton once said, ‘We can see further because we are standing on the shoulders of giants,’” Barohn stated. “This visit gave our students the chance to quite literally meet those giants whose discoveries continue to shape their training.”
Students were invited to handle rare and historic volumes, a privilege once reserved for gloved hands but now safely done with clean, bare hands thanks to modern preservation practices. They began with a first edition of Galileo’s Dialogo (Florence, 1632), in which he used the newly invented telescope to confirm that the Earth revolves around the sun. They then examined two of Isaac Newton’s works: The mathematical principles of natural philosophy (London, 1729) and Opticks (London, 1730).”
The journey continued into the realm of medicine. Students read an early edition of Thomas Willis’s Practice of physick (Long, 1684), an anatomy book, where he described the intricate blood vessels of the brain—now known as the “Circle of Willis.” They also explored a first edition of Charles Bell’s The Nervous System of the Human Body (Washington, 1883), detailing the anatomy of the facial nerve and the clinical features of facial paralysis, now universally known as “Bell’s Palsy.”
Marian Toledo Candelaria, the head of Special Collections, stated, “The books that the School of Medicine students explored are some of the foundational texts of modern scientific thought. Designing relevant experiential learning opportunities is at the heart of what Special Collections offers to the Mizzou community, and students had the opportunity to touch, view, and discuss the books that contributed to making the medical field what it is today. We are thankful to Dr. Barohn and his students for championing Special Collections as an important partner in supporting STEM education at Mizzou.”
Barohn extended his thanks to the Mizzou Libraries, especially the Special Collections librarians, for making the experience possible. “Their stewardship of these collections ensures that our students can connect with the history of science and medicine in ways that inspire learning for generations to come.”
Highlighted Posts of the Week
Open Access Week Posts (Note: Additional Open Access Week posts will be published next week.)
- Celebrate Open Access Week With Mizzou Libraries
- Mizzou Author on Publishing OA
- RSC Added to Open Access Agreements
Other Posts
Welcome to Dylan Martin
The Mizzou Libraries are pleased to welcome Dylan Martin as research and instruction librarian, supporting social sciences and cultural studies departments, and chairing the library’s copyright team. A passion for public service and education drives his commitment to libraries.
He began his library career as an intern at Ellis Library after earning a B.A. in English literature from Mizzou. He later completed his MLIS at the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies. He held a reference assistantship during graduate studies and completed internships focused on archives and community history.
Martin previously served as institutional repository librarian at Lincoln University of Missouri, where he supported STEM departments and led technology and media initiatives. From 2021 to 2025, he worked at Columbia’s community radio station KOPN 89.5FM, managing operations, leading a major relocation project, and eventually serving as general manager.
Now back at Mizzou Libraries, Martin brings a diverse background in librarianship, media, and community engagement. His research interests include copyright, intellectual freedom, and community history archives.
Outside of work, Martin enjoys kayaking, mountain biking, exploring new cuisines, and amateur radio (Technician Class – KE0YNK). He also enjoys tinkering with musical instruments, electronics, and mechanical devices.
Cycle of Success: Resource Sharing Team Navigates International Law to Support Faculty Research
When a faculty member requested a rare academic title available only in a few libraries in Germany, the Mizzou Libraries’ Resource Sharing team sprang into action. The title was not held by any U.S. libraries, and only two German institutions participating in OCLC’s International Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service had it in their collections. Ordinarily, these libraries reliably fulfill our requests. But this time, both declined. The reason? A surprising consequence of international trade policy.
Ivy Hui, a senior library specialist in Access Services, stated, “We were informed that beginning on August 22 of this year, the Deutsche Post/DHL will not ship packages to the US due to new rules in place between the US and the EU where packages of under $800 in value are no longer exempt from duty.”
Despite the setback, the Resource Sharing team didn’t give up. They worked closely with the faculty member to identify the most critical sections of the book. With the help of the German libraries, they obtained the table of contents and secured scans of two key chapters. These were delivered to the faculty member using a different software platform, in full compliance with German copyright law.
This story is a powerful reminder of the value of the Resource Sharing/Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. Even when traditional borrowing isn’t possible, our team finds creative solutions to connect researchers with the materials they need.
DMiL Expands: A New Era of Student Innovation at Ellis Library
Recently, the DMiL integrated professional-grade audio and video podcast equipment from the CASE Podcast Studio, significantly enhancing its capacity to support student projects. The addition of high-quality microphones, a studio-level soundboard, installed cameras, and a camera-switching console means students now have access to advanced audio and video production for podcasts and interviews. Coupled with a professional rack setup, students now have access to cutting-edge tools alongside staff support and training to use them effectively.
At the same time, the Lab is preparing for a transformational step forward: the creation of a freestanding, glass-enclosed classroom adjacent to the DMiL. This flexible, high-tech learning space will house up to 20 high-performance workstations, giving students the chance to develop skills in video editing, 3D modeling, audio editing, VR/AR design and more. Beyond providing structured workshops and class sessions, the transparent design will invite passersby to see innovation in action.
Together, these developments reflect the DMiL’s mission to provide equitable access to emerging technologies and to prepare students for a digital-first world, job market and self-directed continuing education. With the integration of new production equipment and the forthcoming classroom space supported by donor generosity, Ellis Library is positioning itself as a central destination for digital fluency at Mizzou. The DMiL will also provide support for teaching faculty who develop assignments that give students the opportunity to develop new skills that will benefit their future studies and employment goals. The DMiL isn’t just about giving students tools—it’s about giving them the confidence, skills and opportunities to tell their stories, collaborate and thrive in the evolving media landscape.
Dine & Draft: Write with Support (and Sandwiches!)
Got an English 1000 paper to tackle? Join us for the very first Dine & Draft on Wednesday, October 22, from 4–8 p.m. in Ellis Library rooms 115 and 114a. This event is designed just for English 1000 students who want to make real progress on their draft while having support (and food) nearby.
Here’s how it works: bring your draft-in-progress, even just your notes and outline, and settle in for a productive writing session. Writing Center tutors and research librarians will be available throughout the evening to answer your questions, give feedback, and help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re brainstorming, structuring your essay, integrating sources, or polishing your citations, you’ll have experts right at your side.
And because writing is always easier when you’re not running on empty, we’ll have sandwiches for the first students who arrive, along with a relaxed, focused environment to keep you fueled. Think of it as a study session meets writing workshop, with a little extra motivation to get that draft done. Don’t miss this chance to knock out your English 1000 paper with expert help for when you get stuck!
Welcome to Jennifer Brady
The Mizzou Libraries are pleased to welcome Jennifer Brady as head of the Zalk Veterinary Medical Library.
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Jennifer brings a deep passion for education, literacy and community service. She holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration and Instructional Design from Lindenwood University. Her dissertation, “Embedded Librarians and Student Success in Graduate Nursing Programs,” reflects her commitment to student achievement and academic support.
She also holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington iSchool and a B.S.E.d. in Secondary English Education from Missouri State University.
Jennifer has worked in both public and academic libraries since 2014, but her love of libraries began even earlier. As a high school student, she launched her first library as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project—a GED study center and library housed in the Missouri Hotel, a homeless shelter in Springfield. This project served the community for several years until the facility’s closure.
We are thrilled to have Jennifer. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!
Ashley Granger Receives Chancellor’s Staff Award
Ashley Granger, a senior library specialist in cataloging and metadata at Ellis Library, received the 2025 Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award in the Technical/Paraprofessional category.
Each year, the University of Missouri recognizes 12 Outstanding Staff Award recipients nominated by peers for their exemplary service and dedication to Mizzou and the University of Missouri System. These staff members reflect the best of the University community through their job performance, job-related personal qualities, relationships with associates, and commitment to Mizzou’s mission and values. The awards are a highlight of the Staff Advisory Council’s Staff Recognition Week.
Congratulations to Ashley!