“Mizzou makes getting involved easy–and fun”
Show Me Mizzou, August 26, 2025
Shannon Cary
Goodbye to Gabe Harman
Gabe has accepted a new position at Loyola University Chicago (LUC), and we’re excited for him as he begins this next chapter. We are grateful for Gabe’s many contributions as Journalism Librarian and as Interim Head of the Journalism Library since November 2024.
Gabe’s last day with us will be September 16. We are working to ensure coverage for the Journalism Library until Jennilyn Wiley’s arrival, expected on or around November 1.
“Life is Cooler by the Lake” is a popular LUC slogan—and it can be quite literal from January through April! Buy yourself a warm coat, Gabe!
–Jeannette Pierce
May to Present at Amigos Conference
Amanda May will be presenting at the Libraries Cultivating Community Conference on September 10. Click here for the complete conference schedule.
Taking A “Paws”– Kitten Cuddle Puddle with Barnie’s Place Feline Rescue
With over 3,400 students, the University of Missouri College of Engineering is a high-pressure academic environment. To support student well-being, the Engineering Library and Technology Commons (ELTC)—a key resource hub—hosts the Kitten Cuddle Puddle, a Finals Week event in partnership with Barnie’s Place Feline Rescue. Students interact with adoptable cats in a calming space designed to reduce stress and encourage self-care.
This event is one of several ELTC outreach efforts, including the Shamrock Tea, Welcome Cookout, and library programming such as book bedazzling and paper crafts, all aimed at building community and supporting student success. The presentation will cover the evolution of these initiatives, lessons learned, and considerations for forming meaningful partnerships. Attendees will also enjoy photos and stories from past events that highlight the impact of wellness-focused programming.
Highlighted Posts of the Week
Congratulations to Gayle Mooney
The Libraries are pleased to announce that Gayle Mooney’s position has been reclassified to Business Support Specialist I, effective August 31, 2025. She will join the new Administrative & Fiscal Support Unit in Library Administration, reporting to Kathy Peters. Her colleagues will be Nicole Whyte, Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost for Libraries, and the new Office Support Associate, which is currently vacant. Together, they will provide high-level administrative, financial and event coordination support for the Mizzou Libraries. Congratulations, Gayle!
In the News
“A freshman’s guide to making Mizzou home”
Show Me Mizzou, August 18, 2025
Libraries All-Staff Meeting Recording
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!
Welcome to Dr. Marian Toledo Candelaria
The Mizzou Libraries are pleased to announce that Dr. Marian Toledo Candelaria has been hired as the head of Special Collections. Marian previously worked at the University of Virginia as the manager for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Education and Human Development. Her previous roles include program manager for Rare Book School and writing and multimodal communication specialist at the University of Waterloo. She holds a doctorate in history and Scottish studies from the University of Guelph and a master’s degree in library and information science from Simmons University.