home Cycle of Success, Staff news Cycle of Success: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs Through Library Research

Cycle of Success: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs Through Library Research

When students enroll in MANGMT 4700: Principles of Entrepreneurship, they expect to learn how to build a business. What many don’t expect is the role the library plays in helping them evaluate ideas, analyze markets, and build evidence based business plans.

Each semester, Business Librarian Gwen Gray, visits Stacie Kane’s entrepreneurship course to introduce students to the powerful research tools available through Mizzou Libraries. Kane, an entrepreneur herself, encourages her students to ground their business ideas in solid data, and Gwen’s workshop helps them do just that.

Turning Ideas Into Feasible Ventures

Students typically explore business concepts like salons, gyms, coffee shops or landscaping services. Gwen demonstrates how tools such as SimplyAnalytics, IBISWorld, Mintel, and Reference Solutions (available through Daniel Boone Regional Library), can help them move from concept to research supported feasibility.

For many students, this is their first exposure to the breadth of business intelligence available through academic and public libraries.

Student Reactions: “Scary,” “Cool,” and Transformative

The student feedback after receiving library instruction reflects a mix of surprise, excitement and new appreciation for library research:

  • Many were amazed by the specificity of demographic data—some calling it “scary” but also “extremely useful” for entrepreneurial decision making.
  • Dozens noted that they had no idea the university or public libraries offered so many business focused tools.
  • A surprising number concluded the same thing: “I’m getting a library card!”

Students also recognized the long term value of these skills. Several said they plan to use these databases for job interviews, future ventures or even ongoing personal businesses.

Beyond the Assignment: Inspiring Lifelong Library Users

For Gwen, these course visits are more than instructional sessions—they’re opportunities to “evangelize for libraries.” She emphasizes that wherever students go after graduation, their local libraries may offer resources they never knew existed. All they have to do is ask.

The impact is clear: students leave not only better equipped to complete their feasibility analyses, but also more confident in conducting real world business research.

A Cycle of Success in Entrepreneurship Education

Through this collaboration between the Mizzou Libraries and the Trulaske College of Business, students gain essential skills for entrepreneurial thinking. Professor Kane’s dedication, paired with Gwen’s expertise, creates an environment where ideas become informed strategies—and where students discover the powerful role libraries can play in their success.

This ongoing partnership showcases exactly what the Cycle of Success is all about: when faculty, librarians and students work together, everyone benefits.

home Cycle of Success, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Staff news What Does a Library AI Faculty Fellow Even Do?

What Does a Library AI Faculty Fellow Even Do?

When sharing that I’m the Libraries’ AI Faculty Fellow, the most common response is a polite nod followed by a puzzled, “So, what do you actually do?”
To start, there’s the deep dive into the world of AI. For libraries, this means going beyond ChatGPT, exploring research applications and research-specific AIs. It’s learning how models are trained, wrestling with questions about copyright and privacy, and attending presentations that range from webinars to an AI Summit hosted by the University of Florida. Essentially, it’s being a perpetual student of AI and then trying to translate that knowledge into actionable insights for the campus community.

Collaboration with other Faculty Fellows, committees, working groups and task forces is another big part of the role. As I learn about the variety of projects across campus, for example, the College of Education’s open-access AI instruction cookbook and Physical Therapy’s AI model that simulates patients for students to practice with, I help connect researchers who would benefit from the developing applications and use cases. I’ve participated in the development of department and campus AI policies by leading and consulting during policy workshops, and am involved in testing different GenAI models as part of the Show-Me AI pilot, trying to determine what might be the best applications for Mizzou to invest in and share.

Back in the library world, I chair a team testing research AI tools — like Keenious, Scite and Elicit — that might enhance the discoverability of library resources. But it’s not just about tools – we are getting more questions about AI on chat and through email all the time. I get to tackle the tough questions we receive, relating to AI hallucinations and whether library-subscribed journal articles can legally be used to train large language models for data extraction. With the disclaimer that, of course, I’m not a lawyer and can’t give legal advice, it means staying up to date on court decisions, lawsuits, and emerging legal frameworks (Updated Map of US Copyright Suits v. AI).

Of course, all this learning means nothing if it isn’t shared. In addition to traditional classroom instruction and library workshops, I’ve presented at the Directors of Graduate Studies Summit, as a panelist for a MOBIUS E-Resources webinar on AI, at a campus-wide donor event representing the work MU does with AI, at retreats for updating curriculum, at departmental trainings for graduate students, at the Missouri Library Association Annual Conference and more.
Sharing AI literacy information includes the creation (and continual updating) of our Libraries AI LibGuide, and collaboration with librarians from across the state to build an online AI resource guide. Outreach also includes training the Libraries’ student Peer Navigator team on AI so they can pass that knowledge along to their peers.

It’s been exactly one year since I became the Libraries’ AI Faculty Fellow. While there’s been a lot to learn, somewhere between the webinars, policy discussions and presentations, I get to have great conversations about how libraries can lead — thoughtfully, ethically and creatively — in an AI-driven world.

Kimberly Moeller
Librarian IV, Education & Social Sciences Librarian
University Libraries AI Faculty Fellow

home Cycle of Success, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Rebecca Graves Appointed Director of the Health Sciences Library

Rebecca Graves Appointed Director of the Health Sciences Library

Mizzou Libraries is pleased to announce that Rebecca Graves has been appointed director of the J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library. In this role, Rebecca will oversee a team of librarians and staff that provide support for education, patient care and research for the College of Health Sciences, Sinclair School of Nursing, the School of Medicine and MU Health Care.

Having spent many years at Mizzou, Rebecca has a deep understanding of the Mizzou campus culture and strong connections with faculty and staff—relationships that she looks forward to building upon in this new role. She previously served as the library’s education librarian, focusing on teaching students to become skilled researchers.

Most recently, Rebecca was awarded the Sinclair School of Nursing Honorary Alumni Award. The Honorary Alumni award is given to someone who shows outstanding achievement in nursing or support for the nursing profession. She was awarded this honor for her work as the education librarian, due to her profound impact on nursing students at the beginning of their nursing journey, as well as her collaborative efforts with nursing faculty on key initiatives.

Rebecca has a strong history of service to both Mizzou and the health sciences library community. She has been an active member of the Medical Library Association and the Midcontinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association since 1999. Here at Mizzou, she served on the Faculty Council (FC) from 2015 to 2021 and was the Chair of the FC Inclusion, Diversity and Equity committee from 2018 to 2021. Recently, she was a member of the Provost’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in the Learning Environment, which was awarded the FC Shared Governance Award.

home Cycle of Success Mizzou Libraries Welcomes Jennilyn Wiley

Mizzou Libraries Welcomes Jennilyn Wiley

Jennilyn Wiley, a seasoned librarian with a background in business and accounting, has been appointed head librarian of the Missouri School of Journalism’s Journalism Library. She will oversee a historic collection that includes over 30,000 print books, the world’s largest academic photojournalism archive, and a 4,000-volume journalism fiction collection.

Wiley brings diverse experience from roles in auditing, software training, and academic librarianship, most recently serving at Auburn University. Her expertise in data analysis, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary research positions her to lead the library into a new era of “knowledge management.”

Dean David Kurpius and Vice Provost Kara Whatley praised Wiley’s unique skill set and commitment to supporting students and faculty. Wiley, who holds a doctorate in communication and information from Kent State, says her lifelong connection to libraries inspired her career shift. She emphasizes the growing importance of libraries in the age of generative AI, where access to reliable, scholarly resources is more critical than ever.

Visit the School of Journalism’s announcement for more information.

home Cycle of Success Cycle of Success Spotlight: Mariah Newton’s Spreadsheet Sparks Curriculum Mapping at Zalk Vet Med Library

Cycle of Success Spotlight: Mariah Newton’s Spreadsheet Sparks Curriculum Mapping at Zalk Vet Med Library

Have you ever wished for a master list of “those things”—sorted twelve different ways, cross-listed, and checked for duplication? So have we. And thanks to Mariah Newton at the Zalk Veterinary Medical Library, that wish is becoming reality.

Mariah, Library Specialist Sr., recently created a comprehensive spreadsheet mapping the Veterinary Medical Library’s reserve collection. This wasn’t just a list—it was a data-rich tool that captured which textbooks are used in which courses, by which instructors, in what formats, and how frequently. Her work unexpectedly launched a curriculum mapping project, giving the library team a powerful resource to analyze instructional periods, identify overlapping materials, and explore cost-saving opportunities.

This data also opens the door to deeper conversations with faculty and stakeholders about integrating library instruction at key points in the curriculum—ensuring students graduate as information-literate veterinarians. Future additions to the map will include textbook edition updates, faculty assignments, and connections to student organizations like SAVMA and journal clubs.

home Cycle of Success Kline Wins Missouri Library Association Award

Kline Wins Missouri Library Association Award

Jill Kline, librarian, is shown with Outstanding New Librarian award
Jill Kline with New Outstanding Librarian Award

The Missouri Library Association (MLA) has named Jill Kline, student success librarian at the Mizzou Libraries, as the recipient of this year’s Outstanding New Librarian Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates early-career librarians who have made significant contributions to advancing library and information services in Missouri.

Since joining Mizzou two years ago, Jill has made a remarkable impact on student engagement and academic success. Through instructional sessions and campuswide events, she has reached thousands of students, helping them navigate library resources with confidence. Her efforts have led to the development of innovative learning tools and the acquisition of grant funding to support a new well-being book collection.

Jill’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the university. She has presented at regional conferences, including the Missouri Library Association annual conference, and her instructional sessions consistently receive high praise—more than 95% of surveyed students reported they are more likely to use library tools thanks to her guidance.

Her outreach includes leading sessions for middle and high school students and co-developing a new graduate-level library workshop. Jill also serves on university-wide committees focused on first-generation student success and AI literacy, further demonstrating her dedication to inclusive and forward-thinking education.

Congratulations to Jill Kline for her outstanding achievements and for setting a high standard for the future of librarianship in Missouri.

Missouri Library Association Awards Press Release

home Cycle of Success, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Cycle of Success: Medical Students Explore the Roots of Science at Ellis Library

Cycle of Success: Medical Students Explore the Roots of Science at Ellis Library

When Dr. Richard J. Barohn, executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs, joined a group of medical students at Ellis Library’s Special Collections, his goal was for his students to learn about the history of science. Guided by Dr. John Henry Adams, an instruction and research librarian, the students explored some of Mizzou’s antiquarian science books in the fourth-floor classroom.

“Isaac Newton once said, ‘We can see further because we are standing on the shoulders of giants,’” Barohn stated. “This visit gave our students the chance to quite literally meet those giants whose discoveries continue to shape their training.”

Students were invited to handle rare and historic volumes, a privilege once reserved for gloved hands but now safely done with clean, bare hands thanks to modern preservation practices. They began with a first edition of Galileo’s Dialogo (Florence, 1632), in which he used the newly invented telescope to confirm that the Earth revolves around the sun. They then examined two of Isaac Newton’s works: The mathematical principles of natural philosophy (London, 1729) and Opticks (London, 1730).”

The journey continued into the realm of medicine. Students read an early edition of Thomas Willis’s Practice of physick (Long, 1684), an anatomy book, where he described the intricate blood vessels of the brain—now known as the “Circle of Willis.” They also explored a first edition of Charles Bell’s The Nervous System of the Human Body (Washington, 1883), detailing the anatomy of the facial nerve and the clinical features of facial paralysis, now universally known as “Bell’s Palsy.”

Marian Toledo Candelaria, the head of Special Collections, stated, “The books that the School of Medicine students explored are some of the foundational texts of modern scientific thought. Designing relevant experiential learning opportunities is at the heart of what Special Collections offers to the Mizzou community, and students had the opportunity to touch, view, and discuss the books that contributed to making the medical field what it is today. We are thankful to Dr. Barohn and his students for championing Special Collections as an important partner in supporting STEM education at Mizzou.”

Barohn extended his thanks to the Mizzou Libraries, especially the Special Collections librarians, for making the experience possible. “Their stewardship of these collections ensures that our students can connect with the history of science and medicine in ways that inspire learning for generations to come.”

home Cycle of Success Welcome to Dylan Martin

Welcome to Dylan Martin

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.

home Cycle of Success Cycle of Success: Resource Sharing Team Navigates International Law to Support Faculty Research

Cycle of Success: Resource Sharing Team Navigates International Law to Support Faculty Research

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.

home Cycle of Success Kline Wins Missouri Library Association Award

Kline Wins Missouri Library Association Award

The Missouri Library Association (MLA) has named Jill Kline, student success librarian at the Mizzou Libraries, as the recipient of this year’s Outstanding New Librarian Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates early-career librarians who have made significant contributions to advancing library and information services in Missouri.

Since joining Mizzou two years ago, Jill has made a remarkable impact on student engagement and academic success. Through instructional sessions and campuswide events, she has reached thousands of students, helping them navigate library resources with confidence. Her efforts have led to the development of innovative learning tools and the acquisition of grant funding to support a new well-being book collection.

Jill’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the university. She has presented at regional conferences, including the Missouri Library Association annual conference, and her instructional sessions consistently receive high praise—more than 95% of surveyed students reported they are more likely to use library tools thanks to her guidance.

Her outreach includes leading sessions for middle and high school students and co-developing a new graduate-level library workshop. Jill also serves on university-wide committees focused on first-generation student success and AI literacy, further demonstrating her dedication to inclusive and forward-thinking education.

Congratulations to Jill Kline for her outstanding achievements and for setting a high standard for the future of librarianship in Missouri.