Shannon Cary

home Cycle of Success, Gateway Carousel, Special Collections and Archives Welcome to Julie Cismoski

Welcome to Julie Cismoski

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Cycle of Success Gateway Carousel Special Collections and Archives
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Julie Cismoski joined Special Collections this summer as the instruction and exhibitions librarian, a key role in the department. An experienced librarian and educator, Julie has worked in special collections at the University of Southern Maine Library, among other academic libraries, as well as an English as an Additional Language teacher abroad and in nonprofits in Portland, OR. She holds a Master’s of Library Science from Indiana University-Bloomington and a BA in history and German language and literature from Hamline University. Julie is working with faculty and students to develop and facilitate our primary source instruction program. She also develops and collaborates on digital and physical exhibitions and other outreach initiatives in Special Collections.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Fast, Easy Laptop Checkout at Ellis Library

Fast, Easy Laptop Checkout at Ellis Library

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services
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laptop kiosk in Ellis Library

Students, faculty and staff who need a laptop can check one out from a new self-service kiosk in the Ellis Library Bookmark Café. The kiosk offers both MacBooks and PCs with standard Mizzou software, as well as portable battery chargers.

Laptops can be checked out for up to 24 hours with a valid MU ID card or digital ID.

Checking out the laptop requires four easy steps:

  1. SELECT
    Choose a Mac, PC or battery pack
  2. SWIPE
    Use your valid MU ID
  3. GO!
    It’s yours for 24 hours
  4. LOG OFF and RETURN
    Don’t forget to log off before you return the laptop to the kiosk.

Laptop Kiosk FAQ

home Uncategorized Message From the Vice Provost for Libraries

Message From the Vice Provost for Libraries

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Uncategorized
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Photo of Kara Whatley, Vice Provost of Libraries

Dear Faculty,

At Mizzou Libraries, we remain committed to supporting your learning, research and well-being as you pursue your academic goals.

This semester, we are pleased to continue our Sage Impact Partnership, which provides access to affordable course content, instructional videos, and research methods resources. These materials are designed to enrich your learning experience and make high-quality academic content more accessible for students and instructors alike.

For our researchers, Mizzou Libraries continues to expand support for scholarly publishing and research impact. Through agreements with major publishers, Mizzou corresponding authors can publish open access without paying article processing charges by leveraging library subscription investments to make their work more broadly available. We have also launched the Open Journal Finder. This tool helps researchers identify journals that align with their publishing goals by providing information on open-access options, publication costs, author instructions, library-supported publishing agreements, and Mizzou-specific publishing metrics. Learn more about these opportunities by visiting our Open Access Publishing Guide and the Open Journal Finder.

We are also excited to offer a growing suite of research support tools designed to help you discover, analyze, and manage scholarly information more effectively. These resources include Keenious, an AI-powered literature discovery tool; LeapSpace, which provides access to advanced AI capabilities for teaching, learning, and research; TDM Studio, a platform for text and data mining of scholarly content; and Covidence, a tool that streamlines evidence synthesis and systematic review workflows. Together, these services help researchers work more efficiently throughout the research lifecycle.

Finally, don’t miss out on the many workshops, classes, and events happening at Mizzou Libraries throughout the semester. From research skills to creative projects, there’s something for everyone. Check our events and workshop calendars regularly to stay informed.

Beyond our collections and services, Mizzou Libraries is a place to explore ideas, build new skills, and connect with the campus community. From studying in our spaces and attending workshops, to collaborating with librarians, publishing research, and discovering new technologies, I encourage you to take advantage of all we have to offer. We invite you to engage with us throughout the semester and let us know how we can support your success.

Thank you for making Mizzou Libraries part of your academic journey. We look forward to partnering with you this semester and beyond.

Warm Regards,
Kara Whatley
Vice Provost for University Libraries

home Resources and Services Your Subject Librarian Can Support Your Teaching and Research

Your Subject Librarian Can Support Your Teaching and Research

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Resources and Services
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Ellis Library north entrance

The subject librarians at the Mizzou Libraries serve as academic partners for faculty, departments and research teams across campus. With expertise in specific disciplines, they help connect faculty with the collections, services and research support needed for teaching, scholarship and student success.

Faculty can work with subject librarians in several ways. Subject librarians develop collections that support current and emerging curricular and research needs, serve as liaisons between academic departments and the Libraries, and provide specialized research assistance for faculty and students.

As collection specialists, subject librarians collaborate with faculty to identify resources that support instruction, course development and scholarly inquiry, including books, journals, databases and other materials. These partnerships help ensure that library collections remain aligned with departmental priorities and evolving areas of study.

Subject librarians also serve as primary contacts for departments, sharing timely information about library resources and services while bringing faculty needs and perspectives back to the Libraries. This liaison role supports stronger communication, more responsive services and deeper collaboration between the Libraries and the academic community.

Faculty are encouraged to consult with their subject librarian on research projects, course assignments and effective use of print and online resources. Subject librarians can provide guidance on copyright, citation metrics, citation managers, data management, literature reviews, open access, open educational resources, digital repositories and more. They can also help connect students with research support for assignments and projects. Contact your subject librarian today!

home Resources and Services Non-Generative AI Features Expanding Across Library Databases

Non-Generative AI Features Expanding Across Library Databases

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Resources and Services
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hands typing on laptop with AI graphics

As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly common in research products, many database vendors are integrating AI features directly into their platforms. Several major research databases that the Mizzou Libraries subscribe to are providing new ways for users to discover and interact with information.

Researchers may notice different types of AI features depending on the database they are using:

  • Discover@MU includes AI Assisted Search (formerly Natural Language Search), which users can choose to enable.
  • JSTOR offers an AI Research Tool that users can toggle on.
  • ProQuest databases include a Research Assistant that automatically appears when a search is performed.
  • SciFinder provides CAS Newton, allowing users to choose between a traditional search and an AI-powered search experience.

These vendor-developed AI tools are built directly into the databases and are not controlled by Mizzou Libraries. As a result:

  • Librarians cannot disable, hide or restrict access to these features.
  • AI functionality may vary from one database to another.
  • Librarians are actively evaluating these tools and developing guidance and instruction to help patrons use them effectively.

It is also important to distinguish these vendor-integrated AI features from AI tools that Mizzou Libraries has intentionally licensed and recommended for campus use. These librarian-evaluated tools include:

These resources have undergone review and evaluation by Mizzou Libraries and were selected to support teaching, learning and research.

Questions about an AI feature you’ve encountered in a library database? Contact your subject librarian for assistance. Librarians are available to help researchers understand AI-powered research tools and make informed decisions about their use.

home Staff news Library Management Team Notes 8/18/2026

Library Management Team Notes 8/18/2026

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Staff news
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2026.08.18 LMT Notes

home Gateway Carousel, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Resources and Services Discover LeapSpace: An AI-Powered Research Workspace

Discover LeapSpace: An AI-Powered Research Workspace

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Gateway Carousel J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Resources and Services
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Student researcher with poster

Researchers today face an overwhelming volume of scholarly literature, making it increasingly difficult to stay current, identify relevant sources and synthesize information efficiently. To help address these challenges, Mizzou Libraries now offers access to LeapSpace, Elsevier’s research-grade AI workspace designed to accelerate discovery, deepen understanding and support every stage of the research process.

LeapSpace combines publisher-neutral scholarly content, responsible AI technology and enterprise-grade security in a single workspace. Whether you’re exploring a new research topic, conducting a literature review, identifying funding opportunities or developing a manuscript, LeapSpace can help you work smarter and more efficiently.

Ask Research Questions in Natural Language

Using LeapSpace is as simple as asking a question. Researchers can enter inquiries in a natural, conversational style and receive synthesized responses drawn from scholarly literature. The platform is designed to support complex, interdisciplinary research topics, helping users quickly navigate unfamiliar concepts and cross-field connections.

Key Features

Topic Overview

Get up to speed quickly with concise overviews that highlight key concepts, themes, and findings related to your research topic.

AI-Powered Summaries

LeapSpace synthesizes information from relevant scholarly documents, helping researchers understand large bodies of literature without reading every article in full.

Trust Cards

Evaluate AI-generated insights with confidence. Trust Cards provide supporting references and include a “Link to Statement” feature that shows how closely an AI-generated claim aligns with the original source material.

Follow-Up Conversations

Refine your research by asking follow-up questions, allowing you to dig deeper into specific concepts, methodologies, or findings.

Claim Radar

Explore how a particular claim is supported across the broader research landscape, making it easier to identify consensus, differing perspectives, and evidence strength.

Funding Insights

Discover funding opportunities and investigate funding sources connected to specific research areas.

Deep Research

Generate detailed research plans and conduct extensive literature searches across curated scholarly content. Deep Research continuously refines its approach as new insights emerge, helping researchers uncover connections and opportunities they might otherwise miss.

Writing Coach

Support your scholarly writing process with a dedicated workspace designed to help strengthen arguments, contextualize evidence and identify gaps in reasoning.

Supporting Research at Every Stage

From exploring a new topic to preparing grant proposals and drafting manuscripts, LeapSpace offers tools that can save time while promoting responsible use of AI in research. By combining trusted scholarly content with transparent AI assistance, the platform empowers researchers to focus on analysis, creativity and discovery.

Whether you’re a faculty member launching a new project, a graduate student conducting a literature review, or an interdisciplinary research team exploring emerging questions, LeapSpace can help streamline your workflow and enhance your research process.

Ready to get started? Visit the Mizzou Libraries LeapSpace guide to learn more and begin exploring this powerful new research workspace.

Click here for faculty-focused workshops and demos.

Click here for graduate student workshops and demos.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Read, Recharge and Refocus with the Wellbeing Collection

Read, Recharge and Refocus with the Wellbeing Collection

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services
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girl with flowers

The Wellbeing Collection consists of hundreds of new books for students, faculty and staff who want to focus on their mental health or just need a break from the stress of everyday life. The collection can be found on the first floor in Ellis Library, near the atrium (just ask any staff member to point you in the right direction).

The collection includes books from the following subject categories:

· General Wellbeing: sleep, yoga, movement, meditation

· College Basics: cooking, time management, laundry, dorm life

· Student Success: study tips, note-taking, first-year support, first generation student topics

· New Adulting: budgeting, personal finance, relationships, communication

· Mental Health: stress relief, anxiety and depression, happiness, neurodivergence support

· Skill Development: leadership, public speaking, self-help

· Leisure Reading: popular fiction and non-fiction titles

· Hobbies: gardening, crochet, manga drawing, gaming

This collection was made possible by Mizzou Forward Student Success Enhancement Grant.

home Gateway Carousel, Gateway Carousel Zalk Veterinary Medical Library, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Resources and Services New Open Journal Finder Helps Mizzou Researchers Identify Publishing Options

New Open Journal Finder Helps Mizzou Researchers Identify Publishing Options

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Gateway Carousel Gateway Carousel Zalk Veterinary Medical Library J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Resources and Services
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stack of journals

The Mizzou Libraries now offer a tool to help Mizzou researchers identify journals where they can publish their work. The Open Journal Finder provides an easy way to explore journal publishing options, including open access status, article processing charges, and library-supported discounts or agreements.

Researchers can use the Open Journal Finder to look up individual journal titles and find important publishing details in one place. For each title, the tool may include the following information

  • whether the journal is fully open access, hybrid open access, or not open access;
  • whether article processing charges (APC) apply;
  • whether Mizzou Libraries support all or part of the APC (support only available for Mizzou-affiliated researchers);
  • instructions for authors;
  • the number of articles published by Mizzou authors in the journal over the last five years; and
  • how often Mizzou researchers have cited articles from the journal in the last two years.

When a journal is labeled “Library Supported” above the open access icon, Mizzou Libraries offers APC support for that title to Mizzou researchers. Researchers should click the journal title to view complete details, including any remaining costs they may be responsible for. Because not every title from a publisher is included in Mizzou’s APC agreements, researchers should always check the Open Journal Finder before submitting an article.

The tool also helps clarify common publishing categories. Fully open-access journals make all articles freely available, while hybrid journals include both open-access and subscription-only articles and may require an APC for open-access publishing. Journals that are not open access are marked with a gray lock icon. By bringing together publication costs, open-access status, author instructions, and MU-specific publishing metrics, the Open Journal Finder gives researchers a clearer picture of their options before they submit their work.

For more information about journal metrics, visit the Mizzou Libraries guide on journal rankings.