Kimberly Moeller

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Library Lockers

Peer Navigator Corner: Library Lockers

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Peer Navigator Corner-Library Lockers

Written by: Bri Dunham

Among the many things I love about being a student at Mizzou, specifically, I love how many opportunities are provided. From internships, to jobs, to clubs – there are so many different options to get yourself involved. One of things I don’t love, however, is how much luggage comes with being involved on campus. Let’s say you’re taking the shuttle to campus to catch an 8 a.m. class: alongside your normal school bag, you bring lunch from home and also bring materials you need for a club. That’s three different bags you’d need to lug around campus all day. Ellis Library actually has a solution for this that I recently learned about.

Located on the 1st floor of Ellis, in front of the circulation desk, are lockers that are free to use for any student. The only thing you need is a physical student ID. Open lockers will show a green light on the numbered panel, whereas occupied will show a red light. Once you put your belongings in a locker, all you need to do is tap your ID on the numbered pad and it will change to a red light. When you’re wanting to retrieve your belongings, you do the same process to unlock the locker. Need to charge your phone or computer? These lockers have built-in USB ports for you to use while you’re away. You can also borrow a multitude of different charging cords from the Check Out and Information Desk. Equipment lending is only allowed for up to 4 hours, so make sure to not leave it for too long if you go this route! Lockers are also only for day use, and anything left in the lockers overnight will be given to the Lost and Found at the West Entrance desk. 


These lockers were first installed in the early months of 2021, and were funded by the Enhance Mizzou student fee. So, what is the Enhance Mizzou student fee? Enhance Mizzou was actually a result of a campaign led by students in 2017 to improve student facilities across campus. Representatives from Missouri Students Association, Graduate Professional Council and other groups met together after student survey results requested improvements, and led an effort for students to vote on the creation of the Enhance Mizzou fee. The fee had a rate of $2.91 per credit hour and capped at $35 per semester for undergraduates. While the fee went to many resources on campus (including the counseling center), the Libraries were an emphasis area. This is what provided funding for the library to be open 24/7, more resources for special collections, and of course, the lockers.

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Before the Walls Went Up

Peer Navigator Corner: Before the Walls Went Up

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Resources and Services
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Peer Navigator Corner: before the walls went up

The Grand Reading Room – Then and Now
Written by: Ben Atterberry

The next time you study in Ellis Library’s Reading Room, take a moment to look around. The room may feel familiar, but it looked strikingly different when Ellis Library opened in 1915: unfinished, dimly lit, and open on one side to the rest of the building. According to the University Libraries’ Ellis Old and New page, the room was not finished when the library opened. A 1914 photograph shows it still being put together, with light fixtures on one side lacking the glass globes found on fixtures elsewhere in the room. The coffered ceiling was left plain white at the time, and it stayed that way until the room was freshened up in 2003 – nearly 90 years after the room first opened the ceiling and wall details were finally painted. 

The room was also initially more open to the rest of the library. In a 1915 photograph looking south, no partition separates the room from the hallway; students at the tables could see straight past the columns into what used to be the Delivery Room, where a card catalog was used to request and pick up books. That sightline doesn’t exist anymore. A partition now closes off the gap between the columns, though the archive doesn’t specify exactly when it went up. The old Delivery Room itself was turned into Room 213, a space built in the late 1990s that now houses the library’s Electronic Classroom. At the time, that was the extent of the second floor – there were no east stacks, and the connecting reading room where the cast gallery is now didn’t exist. 

In 1936 a second, connected reading room (now room 202) was added to the Grand Reading Room almost doubling the size of the space. The room’s purpose shifted over the decades: the architect’s 1936 plan shows a desk near the West Stacks doors where books could be requested, and by 1955 the room served as the Reserved Book Reading Room. These changes are easy to miss on a normal walk through the library. To help visitors explore Ellis Library’s past and present, University Libraries maintain a Now and Then Photographs guide, pairing historical images with photos of the same spots today. So, on your next study session, picture the room as it looked in 1915: unfinished, partly lit, and open to the hallway. The quiet space students know now took decades to take shape and included one very delayed paint job. 

Explore more: 

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Who Do I Ask?

Peer Navigator Corner: Who Do I Ask?

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Resources and Services
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Peer Navigator Corner: who do I ask

Written by: Mekenzie Moffet

Ellis Library isn’t just books – there are many people who can help you, but it can sometimes be confusing to know who to ask. Below is a quick guide to finding the right person!

Peer Navigators

Peer Navigators are a great place to start because we can point you in the right direction—even if that’s another person who can fully answer your question. We can help you find locations throughout the library and assist with basic technology tasks, such as:

  • Directions both inside the library or across campus
  • Fixing common printer problems
  • Downloading the printer software so you can print from your own computer
  • Finding scanners, computers, study spaces, and other library resources
  • Searching the catalog for books and where to find the call number

Circulation Desk

The North and West service desks, also called the Circulation Desk, can help you:

  • Find and check out books
  • Return or renew library materials
  • Ask questions about your library account
  • Checking out equipment like phone chargers, video cameras, or self care and sensory kits

Subject Librarians

Subject librarians are your go-to people for research help. They specialize in different academic subjects and can help you:

  • Find reliable sources for assignments
  • Navigate library databases and tech tools like research AI
  • Develop or narrow down a research topic and create better search terms
  • Find materials related to your major or class
  • Find specialty information like legal policy, data, or statistics

Writing Center

The Writing Center, located in Ellis Library Room 115, can help during any stage of the writing process. You do not need to have a complete draft before making an appointment! They can help with:

  • Brainstorming and organizing ideas
  • Developing a thesis
  • Revising drafts
  • Improving citations
  • Working through writer’s block

Digital Media and Innovation Lab

The Digital Media and Innovation Lab can help with creative and media-based projects. This may include:

  • Recording or editing audio and video
  • Using media equipment and software
  • Working on podcasts, presentations, or other digital projects
  • Learning how to use unfamiliar creative technology

IT Help

For more complicated problems, such as your computer crashing or other high-tech issues, you will need help from IT. Divisions of IT staff are sometimes available at the desk on the first floor next to printer station 3A–D, which is surrounded by “Help Station” posters.

  • Bring anything technological to them

If you are ever unsure about who to ask, don’t be afraid to start with a Peer Navigator. Even if we cannot solve the entire problem ourselves, we can help you find the person who can!

home Uncategorized Peer Navigator Corner: Finding Engineering Library Resources

Peer Navigator Corner: Finding Engineering Library Resources

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Uncategorized
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Peer Navigator Corner: Finding Engineering Library Resources

Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

As some students may have noticed, the Engineering Library space housed in Lafferre Hall is being renovated and will no longer serve as a library, but don’t fret. All the resources that were previously available in the Engineering Library are still accessible on campus. The first question at the top of your mind might be: where are all the books? For now, all Engineering Library books are in closed stacks at Ellis Library meaning they can be checked out but are not accessible for patrons to take off the shelves themselves. They can easily be put on hold and picked up at the Ellis circulation desk or one of the many available options on campus. 

What about course textbooks? If you’re looking to get your hands on a physical textbook that your professor has put on reserve, these can be found at the North Service Desk in Ellis (next to the Lowry Mall entrance). To access engineering specific software, like MATLAB, SolidWorks, and CAD, students can continue to use them through remote access on their own computers or specific campus desktops. For example, MATLAB can be accessed in Lafferre C1249. Go to the Division of IT’s computer lab software directory for more information. 

As for the physical space, the study rooms throughout Lafferre Hall outside the library are still available for use. Of course, students can continue to use the other study rooms on campus and in Ellis Library too. Engineering tutoring will now take place in the Engineering Student Center (W1026 Lafferre Hall). To find specific tutoring schedules, check this website. The annual Mad Dash Resume Review will now most likely be held in the Time Capsule Lounge (found in the basement of Lafferre Hall). 

One of the best engineering library resources, the engineering librarian Noel Kopriva, can be reached at koprivan@missouri.edu or in her new office space in Ellis Library. For any further questions about engineering library resources—including databases, textbooks, and research—Noel is happy to help.

home Gateway Carousel, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Health Sciences Library

Peer Navigator Corner: Health Sciences Library

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Gateway Carousel J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Emilee Dillon 

The J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library is one of many specialized libraries on campus here at Mizzou. If you’re looking for a new study spot, a group project space, or somewhere to cozy up with a good book, the Health Sciences Library may be a place for you to check out.

One thing I have heard a lot is the struggle to find flexible, comfortable seating in libraries. The good news is the Health Sciences library has you covered! Provided are individual podded chairs that offer comfortable seating and include a footrest, lights, and even an outlet. These pods offer more secluded, comfortable seating, with all the necessities provided, so you can stay comfortable while working on your studies. Walking through the student center, I have also noticed that the booths downstairs and upstairs are very popular. While Ellis does have a few booths on the 1st floor, the Health Sciences Library has a whole wall of booths and a few other sections as well. Also, if after sitting in classes all day you feel the need to take a break from sitting, but you also know you need to study, the Health Sciences Library has standing desks!

Although the Health Sciences Library has plenty of research material that is not the only thing it is used for, nursing and medical students can check out some course-specific textbooks right from the library! If you need a break from studying, you can also find a wide variety of books to read for leisure near the front of the library.

I have realized that students here at Mizzou love whiteboards, and this library delivers. There are double-sided mobile whiteboards for students to use, as well as large whiteboards near tall tables, perfect for group work or mind-mapping. If you’re like me, near finals, TikTok is a popular place to go for study motivation. The health sciences library has the popular floor-to-ceiling whiteboards featured in these study-hack videos in their study rooms, which are perfect for memorization or just organizing your ideas.

The health sciences library also has excellent lighting, warm, cozy yellow, rather than the harsh white lights that can make it difficult to focus. There is also a part of the library that, during daylight hours, has excellent natural light and a beautiful view of Stankowski field.

As mentioned before, the Health Sciences library has private and group study rooms that can be reserved here at the Missouri Libraries website!  It is also important to mention that the Health Sciences Library is open to all majors. While medical and nursing students have longer hours, they may access the facility; all students are welcome and encouraged to use the library.

You can find more information on the Health Sciences library, including their hours and location, on their website, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library.

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Digital Media Lab

Peer Navigator Corner: Digital Media Lab

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Mekenzie Moffet

One resource on campus that I feel like a lot of students don’t realize they have access to is the Digital Media Lab located in Ellis Library. If you’ve ever needed to edit a video, record a podcast, create a presentation, or even just want a quiet space with good equipment to work on a project with, this is definitely the space worth checking out. If you’re wanting to try this, don’t let the talk of fancy equipment and reserving space stress you out! There’s always help available, whether you stop by the Peer Navigator desk for help reserving the lab space or get assistance from Digital Media Lab staff while using the equipment!

The Digital Media Lab is designed to give students access to different technology and software that we might not have on our personal laptops. They have high-quality computers with programs like Adobe Audition for video editing, audio recording, graphic design and other creative projects. For students in classes that may require you to make presentations or multimedia assignments, this could be a helpful resource so you don’t have to worry about your personal computer struggling to run larger programs. 

Another really useful part of the lab is the equipment. Things like high quality microphones, cameras, lighting equipment and other recording tools are available for students; whether for school or personal projects! So, if you’re recording a presentation, filming an interview, or working on a creative assignment, having access to that kind of equipment all for free can make a big difference in what you produce.

Just like everything at the library, the labs spaces for recording and editing are completely free! You just have to reserve the space and time like a study room. The Peer Navigators recently got a new project to create our own personal podcast, and I’m one of the people recording our monthly episodes, so trust me when I say I understand the struggle of using this equipment for the first time. During one of our weekly meetings, we met with Joey, who works specifically with the Digital Media Lab, and he walked me and my coworkers through how to use all the equipment and answered any questions we had.

My first recording was a few weeks after that training, so honestly, I didn’t remember much. Thankfully, like always, there was a staff member there who helped refresh our memory, and we were able to get started. Recording itself really isn’t too difficult, even coming from me, someone who’s not great with technology. Another huge plus is that the computers you record on can also be used for editing, and they have GarageBand and Adobe programs available for free. I definitely recommend trying something like this out.

It’s completely okay if you don’t know how to use the equipment yet. When you make a reservation it ensures that some of the amazing staff will be on hand to answer all of your questions, walk you through a program for the first time, help you get started with programs and point you towards resources if you’re learning. That support can make trying out new tools feel a lot less intimidating. Staff are always available in the Digital Media Lab, located in Room 153 on the first floor of Ellis, to help with whatever you need.

Overall, the Digital Media Lab is one of those campus resources that can really elevate your project quality and give you the chance to learn new tools. So go check it out because it’s worth stopping by and seeing what’s available. If you’re having trouble locating their website, just click the Digital Media Lab link located at the top, or go to the libraries home page and search in the box at the top right corner!

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Casts Frozen in Time

Peer Navigator Corner: Casts Frozen in Time

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Resources and Services
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Written by: Lottie Say

One of my favorite parts of freshman year at Mizzou was exploring Ellis. I recall wandering around The Grand Reading Room and coming across the many statues; I took pictures of them like a tourist. Little did I know these casts held more significance than artistic decor – they are a visible reminder of our university’s long-standing history and commitment to the humanities. These figures are actually precise plaster casts of some of the most famous sculptures in human history. The collection was assembled when 19th and early 20th century students studying ancient Greek and Roman culture in the Midwest were learning about plaster reproductions of famous sculptures. The educator in charge of this awesome, hands-on lesson plan was Professor John Pickard, who was also the first chairman of the Department of Art History and Archeology and creator of the Museum of Art and Archeology in Ellis Library. Pickard was able to travel to Europe in 1895 and 1902 with the mission of bringing the plaster casts home to Missouri. Pickard passed away in 1937, but his legacy lives on through these casts and fellowships named in his honor. 

To truly appreciate that legacy, we must look closer at the plaster itself. These casts are some of the few surviving collections of its type – many were destroyed after World War II and modern museums don’t allow castings any longer since the process can damage the original sculpture. Plaster casts are important in preserving fragile or lost sculptures, the original marble statues of the casts were made over 1000 years ago and have suffered decay since then. Mizzou’s plaster versions are able to maintain crisp details of these figures that have since worn away. Some of the detail can be seen through the thin lines while studying the casts closely, these are called “seam lines” from different multi-piece molds used when crafting the sculpture. Upon first look, these pieces seem heavy and stationary, but the cases are actually incredibly fragile! When moved across campus, multiple people wear gloves to avoid oil transfer along with foam padded carts to prevent breakage. Touching a piece of history would surely be a rush, but similar to the average museum, these pieces must stay as a legacy of ancient art which of course means… no touching! 

In the spirit of college rivalry, Mizzou has had more casts on display than KU for almost two centuries! These casts connect us to the first students of MU, linking our late night study sessions to theirs. Next time you are enjoying the peace in The Grand Reading Room, wander over to its neighbor and observe the stunning casts in room 202!

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis as a 3rd Space

Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis as a 3rd Space

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Why Ellis Should be Your 3rd Space
Written By: Emilee Dillon 

Lately, a popular topic of conversation specifically on social media has been the lack of “3rd spaces” for young and emerging adults. There is a distinct lack of places to socialize or relax – a place that isn’t just home or school, somewhere everyone can just go to exist without pressure. 

I believe many students are unaware that we have the perfect third space for us right on campus, at Ellis Library. While it is easy to think of Ellis simply as a study spot it has so much more to offer. The Bookmark Cafe located on the ground floor is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a snack, sit down with friends, and have a break. Annalise and Isabella, two of the hosts from our peer navigator student podcast, Between the Stacks, actually talk about how great of a third space the Bookmark Cafe creates. It’s the little things, like microwaves available for all students to use to make meal times or heating something up with friends convenient. 

Ellis is also a great place for readers, not only reading for assignments but enjoyment as well. The Libraries have access to many books that are not strictly academic and is an excellent place to cozy up with a good book. When you first walk up the stairs from the cafe, the well-being collection is directly in front of you, with a shelf full of fiction, books on cooking and crafting, and more. Ellis Library also hosts a BYOBook Club so you can connect with others that have similar interests while still having the freedom to read something you personally choose and will enjoy. Events like this are highlighted on the libraries homepage, but be sure to look up this and others by searching for the libraries on MU Engage! 

Beyond the quiet areas of the library there are more relaxed areas where you can walk around, talk and explore Ellis with your friends, maybe even getting lost in the stacks. Not every corner of the library is designed to be silent, and it is actually a perfect space to socialize in some areas! 

Ellis library also hosts occasional free events such as the calming crafternoons, which are often overlooked. These events can be a great way to meet new people, try something new, or just give you something to do for free! 

Although it may feel like third spaces are disappearing, I believe we may need to just look at it from a different angle, and reimagine this beautiful building our campus has given us. I recommend using Ellis to your full potential and allowing Ellis to be a place you can connect, relax, and build your community. 

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: Library Staff

Peer Navigator Corner: Library Staff

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Staff news
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Written by: Lottie Say

Have you ever wondered how many people it takes to keep our library so enjoyable? While Librarians are widely recognized as information professionals who organize and connect people with resources, many other roles contribute to the library’s smooth operation. Behind-the-scenes responsibilities are handled by specialized staff such as the Project Facilities Coordinator who executes installation and equipment management of the Ellis Library building, or the E-Learning & Web Information Specialist who supports online discovery through the library website. The University of Missouri libraries are home to an abundance of staff. I am thrilled to share the roles of those who are not always visible but are essential to the daily success of our libraries.

An example of one of our hidden gems is the Copyright Team. This team is in charge of reviewing the copyright policy periodically, and providing support for professors and researchers wanting to learn more about copyright decisions, permissions and more. The Copyright team also serves as a liaison to University legal counsel to advise on copyright issues! I received a quote from one of our librarians describing more about the Copyright Team, “The Libraries Copyright Team is currently composed of a librarian with copyright as one of their functional areas, our Repository Services librarian, our Director of Digital Initiatives, heads of Teaching & Learning and Access Services, respectively, and our Associate University Librarian for the Research, Access, and Information Services Division.” While the work of this team happens behind-the-scenes, this multidisciplinary force serves as a vital pillar to protect the integrity of our daily resources. 

A second example of a concealed treasure is the Access Services Department. This department houses several vital units such as Shelving and Circulation, but to understand the hidden impact of Access Services, we must look at Resource Sharing/ILL (interlibrary loans). This team is split into two groups, supplying and requesting. If a student or faculty member were in need of a specific article, they could request this book to be found among all of the Missouri libraries. If this article is found online from our collection, on the web, from the University Depository, or other subject libraries on campus, the Resource Sharing/ILL – Requesting unit could find it within minutes to an hour. If the article requested is somewhere overseas, it might take just a bit longer! Ivy Hui, Head of the Resources Sharing/ILL – Requesting unit, summarizes her duties, “My primary role is to make sure the ILL requests placed by our users [MU faculty, staff & students] are obtained in a reasonable time manner (from minutes, hours to months), with my assistant staff.” 

On the flip side, the article must be received by the Resources Sharing/ILL – Supplying unit, this team handles the reverse of this process. While the Requesting unit brings in the requested media, the Supplying crew shares MU’s vast collections with those requesting beyond our libraries. This unit processes incoming requests from other institutions, books are pulled from our shelves and articles are scanned from our databases to fulfill academic communities all over the world. Libraries everywhere would not be the same without the request and supply process. 

Our university is incredibly grateful for the efforts of our library faculty; the library is more than just a building full of books! Feeling intrigued about our staff? Click here to explore the roles that nourish our libraries daily!

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: The Geology Library

Peer Navigator Corner: The Geology Library

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Staff news
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Written By: Allison Boedges

Have you been to the Geology Library?
The Mizzou campus is home to more than 200 buildings, including eight libraries spread across campus. Nearly everyone knows about Ellis Library, Mizzou’s main library, but few have visited the 7 subject libraries spread across campus. Previous Peer Navigator articles have covered the Engineering Library, Journalism Library, VetMed Library, and Law Library, but today I want to talk about a lesser-known campus favorite, the Geology Library.

Those who do not frequent the Geological Sciences building, located on the Northwest corner of Francis Quadrangle, may have never heard of the Geology Library. The Geology Library is located in room 201 of the Geological Sciences building and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every weekday except Friday, when it closes at 5, and is also open from 2-5 on Sundays.

To find Room 201:

  1. Enter the building through the main entrance off the circle drive.
  2. Go past the department offices and up the stairs to the second floor.
  3. Room 201 is the first door on the right-hand side.

The Geology Library is a US Geological Survey Depository, full of specialized resources, books, and documents for students studying geology or any similar fields. The library also houses Mizzou’s extensive collection of topographic, geological, and thematic maps. These maps, which are both digital and physical, cover the entire world, providing a perfect resource for many students. The collection also contains significant materials on the history of earth sciences.

One of the more special items in the collection is a set of stone lithographs showing the stratigraphy of the Grand Canyon, the first of their kind. These have been restored and are displayed alongside the original monograph detailing the first exploration of the canyon, published in 1882 by Clarence Dutton.

Another resource available through Mizzou libraries is the large number and variety of subject librarians. These librarians are very knowledgeable on not only their subjects, but the resources available for those subjects. The Geology Librarian, Stephen Stanton, is available to help students navigate the resources at the Geology library. Steven has been with the Geology Library for 32 years and is extremely knowledgeable about the resources available to students. The library also has student assistants, the majority of whom are geology
students themselves and can understand the materials well.

The Geology library is not only available to Geology students, anyone can use the resources and the space. Since it’s less well known, this library makes a wonderful quiet study spot on campus. A map of the space is available on the library website.

If you are interested in Geology, looking for a new study spot, or needing resources for Geology research, visit the Geology library next time you find yourself in the Geological Sciences Building.