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.
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.
We need a few additional volunteers to help maintain the Ellis Library Staff Lounge on Mondays and Thursdays. Cleaning takes 15-20 minutes, and we provide the gloves, supplies, and training. Sign up for one shift or more per semester – your choice!
Contact Gwen Gray, MULSA Staff Lounge Chair, GrayG@missouri.edu, if interested.
The Mary Jane and Stephen D. Smith, PhD, DMiL Training Center has been made possible through a generous gift from the Rev. Ann Evans Self. Ann named the space in honor of her parents, who along with her grandparents, James E. and Mary Potter Kunkler, inspired her Mizzou philanthropy. The family’s generosity across three generations has resulted in major gifts supporting MU Libraries, The School of Journalism, The School of Medicine, The College of Engineering and The College of Education & Human Development. Their commitment to Mizzou has also included service on numerous boards and committees and we are truly honored to recognize their love of Mizzou in this important new space in Ellis Library.
The Digital Media and Innovation Lab (DMiL) in Ellis Library continues to grow as a hub for student creativity and exploration, and this year marks an exciting new chapter. Thanks to new equipment provided by Mizzou’s Center for Academic Success & Excellence (CASE) and a generous donor pledge, we’re now positioned to enhance DMil’s resources and expand its vision for the future.
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. Rendering of the DMiL expansion
“The Outstanding New Librarian Award recognizes a librarian with at least 1 year of Missouri-based experience (and less than 5 years in the field) who has contributed significantly to improving and advancing library and information services. This year’s recipient is Jill Kline, Student Success Librarian at University of Missouri Libraries. In her 2 years at Mizzou, Jill has reached thousands of students through instructional sessions and campuswide events. She has created new library learning tools, secured grant funding for a well being book collection, and presented at regional conferences, including MLA. Student surveys of her instructional sessions have shown that more than 95% of students stated that they would be more likely to use Library tools, thanks to her guidance. Jill has led instruction sessions for middle and high school students, while codeveloping a new graduate library workshop. She has also served on university-wide committees, assisting with first-generation student success and AI literacy.”
All 2025-2027 library committee members have received their appointment letters, and the rosters have been updated on the staff web page. Once chairs have been picked for the committees, they need to be updated. (Contact Shannon Cary to update the page.)
