Kimberly Moeller

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

Peer Navigator Corner: Casts Frozen in Time

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library 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: Lean Library

Peer Navigator Corner: Lean Library

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Libby Gremaud 

Research can sometimes be a frustrating part of school assignments.  If you’re using Google Scholar, or any other tool that isn’t through the Libraries, oftentimes websites will block you or ask that you pay to access their materials. Thankfully, Mizzou Libraries has a tool available that can help if you run into this problem – you can still use the tool you prefer, but get the article that you need. 

Lean Library is a browser extension that can be used by Mizzou students to help bypass these blockers and help figure out if you have access to the materials under the library’s licenses. It’s super easy to download, and even easier to use! 

All you have to do to download the extension is follow this link, choose your browser type, and click “Download”. Once you have followed the instructions to download, Lean Library will ask you to choose your institution, which would be “University of Missouri Columbia”. It will then ask you about your setting preferences, which you can choose based on your individual needs. After you’ve done this, the extension should be able to be used, although it’s helpful to pin it.

To use the extension, simply search the way you normally would. When you find a source, whether it’s a newspaper, a book, or an article, Lean Library will automatically pop up on the top right of your browser and let you know about the source’s availability within the Mizzou Libraries system. It may tell you to follow a link to access the material. If the Libraries don’t have access, one of the potential popups that you may get will automatically direct you to request it through ILL, or “Inter-Library Loan”.

Our library will make a request to another institution that has the material and they will then send it to you to use. This can be done with both online and print materials, and is generally pretty fast since it’s primarily electronic. 

Once you’ve downloaded this browser extension, research done off-campus will be so much easier. The extension can be toggled on and off so that it’s only there when you need it. There are so many resources that the Mizzou Libraries offer, and we want to ensure that students are able to access these resources no matter where they are. Make sure to download this browser and make your research process so much easier! 

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, 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 Gateway Carousel 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.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: The Museum of Art & Archeology

Peer Navigator Corner: The Museum of Art & Archeology

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Staff news
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Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

What hidden gem location is on Mizzou’s campus and is completely free for students to access? There is a long list of correct answers, but here are three of my favorites: the greenhouse inside Tucker Hall, the Laws observatory on top of the Physics building, and the Museum of Art and Archeology inside Ellis Library. While all three are great options if you have free time, the Museum of Art and Archaeology features a wide-ranging collection and hosts regular events that students can participate in. 

According to their website, “the Museum’s collections include more than 16,000 objects from six continents and span five millennia – from prehistory to the present.” Not every item is on display all the time so I haven’t been able to see all 16,000 objects, but I have enjoyed some of their past and present exhibitions. Right now there are two exhibitions on display. Through May 2026, “Impressions: Black Spirit in America” explores Black experiences and their impact on American history and culture through art. At the same time “From Earth to Artist: Clay” focuses on art made with natural materials from the earth and runs through November. In addition to exhibitions, the museum has three ongoing galleries: the Saul S. and Gladys D. Weinberg Gallery of Antiquities, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Gallery of European and American Art.

The museum also hosts regular events, which can be found on the events calendar. Midday Music is the second Thursday of each month, when you can enjoy the museum with live music. There are Drop in and Draw events that provide materials for patrons to sketch artwork, and family days that include special activities for children. Coming in late April this year is Art in Bloom, an “annual exhibit that pairs works of art with fresh flower displays arranged throughout the museum’s galleries.” 

The museum is located in Ellis Library on the ground floor, but can be accessed without ever entering the library itself. One outside entrance is off of Lowry Mall, and the accessible entrance is off Hitt Street. If you would like to enter from inside the library, all you would need to do is walk past the Bookmark Cafe on the ground floor, take a left, and follow the hallway. Currently, their hours are 10-4 Tuesday-Friday and 12-4 Saturday-Sunday. To learn more, visit the Museum of Art and Archeology’s website.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: PN Student Podcast!

Peer Navigator Corner: PN Student Podcast!

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Staff news
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Written by Emilee Dillon
Introducing Between the Stacks

Between the Stacks is a brand new student-led podcast produced by the Peer Navigators at Ellis Library. Tune in to learn how you can make the best of your experience at Mizzou and stay up to date on all things interesting about Ellis and the Libraries.

Whether you’re looking for a new place to study or campus resources, Between the Stacks brings insider knowledge and fun conversations all in one place!

Your Hosts: The Peer Navigators

This podcast is hosted by the Ellis Library Peer Navigators. We are a group of student workers with the goal of being a friendly face to help our fellow tigers! As current students, we are able to help with some common questions and to share relatable stories. Your hosts break down everything you need to know about taking advantage of the Libraries.

What You Might Find Listening

Monthly episodes of Between the Stacks explore a variety of topics relevant to student life while also featuring recurring segments that highlight interesting and useful aspects of the library. The best way to find out is to tune through the Between the Stacks guide (where you can also find out about your hosts), or through YouTube. Recurring segments include:

  • Common myths
  • A main ‘story’ – for example, the 1st episode covers employment at the libraries
  • Highlighting an unknown resource, like the digital media lab (where this podcast was recorded)

Your Inside Guide to Ellis Starts Here

Between the Stacks is an entertaining, relatable way of learning more about the library specifically designed by Mizzou students with you in mind! So, next time you’re walking to class, studying, or driving around Columbia, tune into Between the Stacks! 

 

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

Peer Navigator Corner: Movies and Film

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Staff news
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Written by: Annalise Miller

Ellis Library offers a wide range of film resources to support both classroom instruction and personal viewing. Although our campus library has limited streaming services, students and faculty still have access to some excellent alternatives. MU students and faculty can search Discover@MU on the University of Missouri Libraries website to find video materials in multiple formats, including DVD and film, making it easy to locate content for class, research, or just for fun.

If you prefer browsing in person, DVDs are available on the south side of the Reference stacks near the Information Commons on the first floor of Ellis Library.

You can also search the library catalog to locate specific titles or explore a curated list of films available at Ellis. Don’t have a DVD player? No worries – they are available for checkout at the North Service Desk on the first floor of Ellis!

For free streaming options, students can obtain a library card from the Daniel Boone Regional Library. This is a simple process that can be completed online at dbrl.org. Once on the site, select “Browse and Borrow,” to pull up a drop-down window, where you will then select “Get a card,” and apply online. Daniel Boone regional library has access to both Kanopy and Hoopla, free streaming service for popular movies and shows.

Happy watching, Tigers!

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Hidden Library Gems

Peer Navigator Corner: Hidden Library Gems

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Hidden Library Gems

By: Mekenzie Moffet

When students think of Ellis, they likely picture study floors, computers, and maybe the printers that stress you out when you’re already running late for class. However, Ellis is way more than a place to just grind out homework – tucked around the building are pretty interesting spaces you might not even realize you have access to.

One of the spaces that I will forever believe are underused are the museums. Yes, Ellis actually houses museums (plural) in the library. There is the Museum of Art & Archeology, Museum of Anthropology, and the Cast gallery. The first two are located on the ground floor and the Cast Gallery is on the second floor. These spaces offer rotating exhibits and are a great way to take a brain break without physically leaving the library if you don’t want to. I really enjoy the art and archaeology museum because some of it gives off major The Last Airbender vibes — my fellow nerds unite. Which is why this is also a great place to take family when they visit.

For students interested in history or unique materials, Special Collections and Archives houses rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents. You don’t need to be an expert researcher to visit, just book an appointment with an idea of what you would like to see. The materials are stored in climate controlled areas of the library, so letting the librarians know what you’re interested in gives them the time to pull a variety of  resources you might be interested in.

If you’re looking for a cozy, quiet spot, The Nook on the fourth floor is a hidden gem. Tucked away, calm, and with a ton of windows for natural light, it’s a perfect studying spot especially if you just need to decompress or if the other parts of the library feel overwhelming.

Ellis is also home to a Digital Media Lab on the first floor, giving students access to tools and technology for creative and academic projects. Whether you’re working on a class assignment, presentation, or just experimenting with digital media, this is a resource worth checking out. The DML includes a studio space on the third floor that’s ideal for recording videos, or working with a giant green screen with great lighting.

Finally, right next to the Digital Media Lab, one really cool feature of Ellis is the audio recording studio. This is where students can create their own podcast, either just for fun or for a class project. Even if you’ve never touched recording equipment before, there’s no need to worry. When you book the room, there’s an option to request staff assistance. Someone will meet you at the beginning of your allotted time to show you how everything works and answer any questions, making the space super beginner friendly. The space even includes access to the Adobe Creative Suite – something that’s usually pricey even with the MU student discount.

Ellis doesn’t have to just be a place to study – it’s full of resources and spaces designed to make you into the academic weapon we all strive to be and keep you creatively entertained. If you’re ever unsure how to use something or where to start, that’s what Peer Navigators and library staff are here for. Don’t be afraid to ask – you might even discover a new favorite spot or resource you didn’t know existed.

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: Campus Third Places

Peer Navigator Corner: Campus Third Places

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Staff news
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Campus Third Places

Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

At the beginning of every new semester, working as a Peer Navigator in Ellis brings some of my favorite questions to the desk. Recently, I interacted with a student who wanted advice on where to spend their time between classes. This question of where to pass time on campus applies to both new and returning students. Mizzou’s campus is large, and not all academic buildings have seating outside of classrooms. This question reminded me of one reason I enjoy spending time in the Libraries on campus; they’re third places I know I can exist without any expectations. Access to resources, like printers and phone chargers, is also a major bonus.

What is a “third place”? The term was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, referring to spaces in our communities outside of homes (first places) and work (second places). Oldenburg considered third places as “a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.” 

Along with the bustling Student Center, the iconic Columns (weather permitting), and Stankowski Field, the Libraries are popular third places on campus. From the outside, Ellis Library is an impressive building, and libraries can be stereotyped as silent, serious spaces, which can be intimidating. However, Ellis exists to serve students, faculty, and the community as a place to gather and interact. Beyond scheduled events, like BYOB Book Club or Calming Crafternoons, Ellis is a space where students can meet up for coffee in the Bookmark Cafe or heat up food in the microwaves on the ground floor. If I am stuck on campus with a dying phone or laptop, I know I can check out a charger from Ellis. Of course, Ellis provides a multitude of study spaces. From the silent, grand reading room to the collaborative tables on the first floor, there is a place for everyone at Ellis.