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home Ellis Library, Journalism Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Skip the Paywall – Access Newspaper Articles

Peer Navigator Corner: Skip the Paywall – Access Newspaper Articles

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Journalism Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

Almost every time I click to read an interesting news article on my phone or laptop, I’m blocked by a paywall. Although I know how to use the library to find academic articles for free, news articles are a lot trickier. This struggle is one I know other students share. 

Looking to get your hands on paper? Physical copies of current newspapers can be found in both Ellis Library and the Journalism Library on campus. In room 114 on the north wall, Ellis currently stocks these newspaper and magazine titles:

  • Catholic Worker
  • Columbia Daily Tribune
  • Columbia Missourian
  • Education Week
  • Die Zeit
  • Footwear News
  • Kansas City Star
  • London Review of Books
  • New York Times
  • New Yorks Times Book Review
  • Pensions and Investments
  • Public Citizen News
  • St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  • Three Penny Review
  • Times Literary Supplement
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Wall Street Journal Magazine

 

Above these shelves are QR codes that provide access to digital versions of some listed newspapers, requiring an MU login. These items cannot be checked out, but there is no limit to in-library use. As tempting as it might be to fill out the crossword puzzles, please also refrain from writing on library copies! The Journalism Library stocks many of the same titles in front of its checkout desk.

If you’re looking for historical newspapers, the ProQuest Historical Newspapers digital database offers full-image copies of ten major historical newspapers. This database spans from 1850s New York Times articles all the way up to Kansas City Call articles from 2010. With over a century of articles, there are a myriad of topics to read about, like privateering in the Civil War, attending the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and organizing the 1984 LA Olympics. It is easy to narrow your search by date, article type, publication, and more. To learn how to find this database and other resources, check out this page “How Do I Find?” linked on the library’s home page. 

To access current newspaper articles, one option for students is Factiva. This database provides access to global, national, and regional news articles from the past two weeks in 28 languages. The layout of this site is more like an academic database site and less like a general-use newspaper website. Because of this, ProQuest has provided a LibGuide on how to successfully navigate Factiva. 

Still can’t get your hands on the article you want? Check out this guide from the Journalism Library for more resources. The new browser extension for MU students called Lean Library may also help you skip the paywall. You can also always ask for help either through the Libraries chat, via email, or by scheduling a quick consultation!

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis Ground Floor – Late Nights and the Cafe

Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis Ground Floor – Late Nights and the Cafe

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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By: Annalise Miller

If you are a fan of late-night studying in Ellis you may be aware of one of the big changes this year – the closing of most areas of the library after 12:00 a.m., leaving only the ground floor open all night. Because of this change, service desk operations have been adjusted and the desk on the ground floor by the west exit now remains staffed all hours to support students and maintain safety and access once the rest of the library closes.

The ground floor of Ellis Library is filled with cozy study spots perfect for staying focused through the late-night hours and early mornings, until the rest of the library opens at 7:00 a.m. Much of this late-night seating is centered around the Bookmark Café, a favorite spot for Mizzou students and library patrons. The café serves everything from pastries and sandwiches to tea, smoothies, and a wide selection of coffee and espresso drinks, making it easy to refuel without leaving your study session.

Dining Dollars are accepted at the Bookmark Cafe, which is open Monday – Wednesday from 7:30a.m. – 8:00p.m., Thursday from 7:30a.m. – 5:00p.m., and Friday from 7:30a.m. – 4:00p.m.

If you plan to study in Ellis after 12:00 a.m., make sure that you bring your ID and grab a latte from the Bookmark Cafe before it closes. Happy studying, Tigers!

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Research Resources

Peer Navigator Corner: Research Resources

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Resources and Services
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Written by: Jariyatu Abdul Rashid

The Mizzou Libraries are not just a place to borrow books; they’re a hub for research support. Sure, it has quiet study spaces and shelves stacked with books, but behind all of that is a network of resources designed to make your academic life easier. The library has tools to help with doing assignments, preparing for a presentation, or working on projects. Most of us take some courses that involve lots of writing, at least once, before graduation. And let’s be honest, writing usually comes with research. Even if you’re not in an English class, plenty of courses require some form of research, whether it’s a lab report, a case study, or a group project. Fortunately, the library has exactly what we need; research resources, knowledgeable librarians, and materials that go far beyond what you can find on your own. 

Databases: Here’s the thing, Google is fine for quick answers, but when you need credible, peer-reviewed sources, the libraries have your back. Through the Find a Database page, you can access collections that cover every subject imaginable.

Some of the most popular ones include JSTOR, great for humanities and social sciences, PubMed, perfect for health sciences and biology, PsycINFO, a must for psychology majors, and Business Source Complete for business, marketing, and economics.

Normally, these databases and articles are locked behind expensive paywalls, but as a Mizzou student, you get them for free. That’s a huge deal when you’re trying to impress your professor with solid sources. For example, instead of citing a random blog post, you can pull a peer-reviewed article from JSTOR or PubMed that gives your paper credibility. Also, in many classes, using peer-reviewed resources is required for research.

Research Guides: If you’ve ever felt lost about where to even start, the libraries also have Research Guides created by subject librarians. Think of them as roadmaps for your major. Instead of digging through endless options for resources, the guides point you straight to the best ones for your field. For example: Political Science majors can find guides for government and policy research. Biology students can access resources for lab studies and medical research, and Business students can dive into market data, company reports, and industry trends. It’s like having a librarian whispering, “Here’s where to look first.” These guides can save hours of wasted time and frustration. Personally, I wish I had known about them earlier. My first research paper would have been a lot less stressful if I had followed a guide instead of clicking through random websites.

Here’s another thing I wish I knew earlier: you can schedule a research consultation with a librarian. Yep, a real person will sit down with you (in person or online) and help you brainstorm keywords, find sources, and even figure out if your sources are reliable.

It’s basically like having a research coach, and it can save you hours of frustration. Imagine spending three hours searching for articles on your own, only to come up empty-handed. A librarian can often point you to the right database or search term in minutes. They’ve seen it all before, and they know the shortcuts.

Citations: Citations are the part of research papers that nobody enjoys. Formatting in MLA, APA, or Chicago style can feel like learning a new language. Luckily, the libraries offer workshops on tools like Zotero which organize your sources and automatically generate citations. Imagine finishing your paper and having your bibliography done in seconds- it’s a total game-changer. The organization also means if you’re working on a big project or even a thesis, you won’t lose track of where your information came from.

Here’s the truth: The libraries aren’t  just a place to cram before finals or to grab coffee at Bookmark Café. They’re a resource that can make your life as a student so much easier. Instead of panicking over where to find credible sources, you can use the libraries’ tools and people to get ahead. The next time you’re staring at a blank Word document, don’t just rely on Google. Check out Ellis Library’s Research Help page, explore a subject guide, or book a consultation. Not only will your research be stronger, but you’ll also save yourself a lot of stress.

home Ellis Library Peer Navigator Corner: Student Employment in Ellis

Peer Navigator Corner: Student Employment in Ellis

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library
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Written by: Alyssa Westhoff

For the past two years, I have had the privilege of working as a Peer Navigator at Ellis Library. Not only have I been able to help fellow students navigate the Libraries’ resources, but I’ve also had the chance to enhance my own knowledge of what the library offers while gaining valuable communication and customer service experience. Ellis is in what I consider to be the perfect location for a student job.

As a Peer Navigator, I give directions, help with printing, assist students with finding books or other research materials. Ellis offers a variety of other student worker positions in different departments, and I often get asked how others can apply for similar roles. Here’s a list of some of the departments that hire student workers:

  • Bookmark Café: If you love coffee and are seeking a customer-facing role, working as a barista at Bookmark Café could be a perfect fit for you. 
  • Circulation Desk: As an Information Assistant at the Circulation Desk, you’d help students check out books, guide them through the library’s systems, and assist with general inquiries.
  • Shelving Team: The shelving team is responsible for organizing and maintaining the library’s collections. They ensure that books and other materials are accurately shelved, properly organized, and easily accessible to patrons.
  • Safety Team: Our safety officers patrol the library and supervise the entrances to ensure a secure and welcoming environment, making sure everything runs smoothly and safely within. 
  • Digital Media Lab: For those with an interest in technology, the Digital Media Lab provides resources for multimedia creation. These staff members help students use specialized equipment and software to create podcasts, videos, 3D images, and more.
  • Division of IT Help Station: If you’re skilled at troubleshooting technology issues and enjoy helping others resolve their tech problems, this position is a great opportunity to assist students with their IT-related questions.
  • Writing Center: If you have strong writing skills, being a writing tutor allows you to assist other students with their writing assignments, from brainstorming ideas to editing their papers.
  • Peer Navigators: As Peer Navigators, we assist patrons by providing guidance on library resources, navigating the building, and offering support with research and technology.

If you’re interested in applying for one of these positions, the good news is that several resources are available to help you find open job postings. eRecruit is an internal job resource where you can find positions specifically for MU students. Handshake is another resource which is not only used for on-campus jobs but also features opportunities with external employers for both MU students and alumni. Some of the positions listed above are hired through the Libraries, but others are hired through campus dining, campus IT, and the Student Success Center.

Whether you’re looking for a job that’s conveniently located, offers flexible hours, or helps you build valuable skills, there’s likely a position at Ellis Library that fits your needs. Good luck with your applications!

home Ellis Library Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis (The Person, Not the Place)

Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis (The Person, Not the Place)

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library
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Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

Common questions surrounding the library often include: Where’s Ellis? What’s Ellis? When’s Ellis open? But here’s a question that might not be asked as frequently: Who’s Ellis? 

The main library on MU’s campus was named after Elmer Ellis in 1971 by the Board of Curators. From 1955 to 1966, Ellis served as the 13th president of MU. Because of his dedication to the library before and during his term, the library thrived. His dedication plaque can be found outside the Lowry Mall entrance at the bottom of the lampposts. 

Before Ellis assumed the role of President, he served on the campus Library Committee with two other faculty members. In this committee, they were tasked to allocate funds for books and journals between different academic departments and also to hire a new librarian. Perhaps most significantly, this committee also oversaw the plans for the west-wing addition in the library in 1936, which significantly increased storage and study space. At the same time the west wing was added, building the west stacks doubled the number of books the library could hold. Today, the west side of the library houses a variety of things, including Special Collections on the fourth floor, the cast gallery and study space on the second floor, study space on the first floor, and Ellis Auditorium on the ground floor. 

During his term as President, the library was becoming crowded again even after the west wing addition. In 1958, the library was expanded further with an east wing addition, creating more space and adding symmetry to the library’s north facade. Today, the east wing houses the east stacks on floors two through four, administrative offices and government documents on the first floor, and museums on the ground floor. The library grew physically and technologically during his term, surpassing 1 million volumes, transitioning from Dewey to Library of Congress classification, and installing an IBM circulation system. In addition to the physical and technological expansion of the library, Ellis sought and gained approval to create an accredited graduate program for Library and Information Science, and he appointed a committee to find a head of this new school. This program is still in existence today and educates librarians for the state of Missouri and beyond. 

Sources: Ellis Old and New Libguide, The History of the University of Missouri-Columbia Library by June LaFollette DeWeese, My Road to Emeritus by Elmer Ellis

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Sensory & Seating Maps

Peer Navigator Corner: Sensory & Seating Maps

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Sophie Lanzone

Some of you may already be aware of the different seating or spaces within the library, but if you aren’t familiar there are different maps on the library’s website that display what is on each floor, including where quiet spaces, study rooms, seating, and bathrooms are. For example, if you are someone who prefers to work in quiet or uncrowded spaces, the sensory map is the perfect resource to help you find the right places to study.

To find these maps, go to the library’s home page and click “Maps and Floorplans” on the very top. This will list the different libraries, with links to show you different maps for each library. Under the Ellis Library link you’ll find an option for “Ellis Library Sensory Maps.” This gives you the option of looking at quiet spaces, uncrowded spaces, and natural light. The first tab for quiet spaces shows a layout of each floor with highlighted areas that are designated quiet spaces or that tend to be quiet. The tabs across the top of the guide let you click on uncrowded spaces or natural light, and highlight different areas in the library based on these qualities.

Another map that I think is useful to people who prefer specific study accommodations is the seating map, which can be found the same way as the sensory map. Each floor it is color coordinated and highlights several types of seating and where they are located, including soft seating, high/stand-up seating, and regular seating.

If you have any other questions regarding these maps, including how to find them, stop by the Peer Navigator desk and ask for help!

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: A Guide to Ebooks

Peer Navigator Corner: A Guide to Ebooks

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Josiah Abbott

Whether you are a student or a member of the general public, books are what draw most people to a library. However, in an ever-evolving world of technology, ebooks are beginning to surpass traditional paper in terms of academic and personal use. I’m sure almost every student is familiar with both the blessings and curses of electronic course textbooks. Whether through McGraw Hill Connect or MU Online, many classes include textbooks using this more compact method. 

Before covering online textbooks more in-depth, let’s address more casual ebook experiences. If you are looking for an easy way to read (or listen) on the go, personally, I enjoy Hoopla. It has an extremely user-friendly interface and is incredibly easy to sign up for (all you need are a public library card and an email address). Libby is also easy to sign up for (requires a library card and email) and quite easy to use. One other option that isn’t freely available through a library but you may have come across is the Kindle app. It does a great job mimicking the coloring of physical books but has either a subscription fee or requires you to purchase books individually. All of these are great options each with their benefits and drawbacks, and I would encourage you to check them out for yourself to see which one you like best.

For students, however, online books rather than apps are a necessity and a potentially frustrating one at that. First and foremost, McGraw Hill Connect is likely the most used ebook service at Mizzou. Now, for most students, McGraw Hill should link to Canvas automatically through AutoAccess and there should be no issues. However, if you decide not to use AutoAccess, things become trickier. First, you need to go through Canvas to the McGraw Hill Connect page that will prompt you to purchase the ebook. You can go through them, but if you’ve purchased a copy elsewhere, you also can input a code found in the textbook on that page and it should automatically link up. If you have done these steps to link accounts and it still is not working, you may need to contact IT support and your TA or Professor. Often the issues can be fixed with a bit of troubleshooting, but I’ve occasionally experienced the Professor having trouble syncing and the whole class having the same problem. 

On the other hand, many students will be assigned reading assignments for which they can use an ebook through the University Libraries. If the Professor links the book in Canvas usually it is easy to locate, but since access is based on login, sometimes there are issues. If you can’t access through Canvas for any reason, you can use the Discover@MU search bar on the University of Missouri Libraries home page to search for the book you need. Searching for the title in quotes will redirect you to a list of resources, including the book’s details regarding availability and how to access it. It is the same process for both digital and physical resources, so to only retrieve ebooks, there is an option on the left to limit it to “online only”. To access ebooks, there is a blue link on the book’s banner that says “MU online…”, which will take you to the book in your browser. Depending on the publisher, you’ll either be able to read the book straight away, or you may have to create an account with your UMSystem email address. 

Part of the linking message will also state how many copies are available for use. Just like print books, ebooks are sold as individual copies, and the link to access will state how many there are (see image, “one user at a time”). If you are getting an error opening it, it may currently be in use, and if you are the one using it, don’t forget to close the tab when you finish so someone else can.

If you are having trouble with a book you previously could access, try clearing your cache (go to browser history and there should be a button to clear cache somewhere). If problems persist, there are several ways to get help. Online, you can contact Mizzou’s IT division by going to the live chat button at the top of their homepage, or you can start a chat with a librarian by going to the “Ask us!” pop out on the right side of the library’s homepage. If you would like help in person, you can ask one of the peer navigators at their desk on the first floor near the information commons.

 

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Who are the Peer Navigators?

Peer Navigator Corner: Who are the Peer Navigators?

By Kimberly Moeller   Posted in Ellis Library Resources and Services
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Written by: Sophie Lanzone

At Ellis Library, there is a group of Mizzou students who are available to help with navigating the building itself, or any other technological or reference question you may have. The peer navigator system is designed so that students have an accessible environment to ask questions, and feel comfortable asking another student. We can be found at the reference desk on the first floor, near the stairs to the café.

To go into more detail on what the program offers, your peer navigators strive to have open communication with everyone as well as a friendly, welcoming attitude. Our prime responsibilities for services are to provide excellent customer service to any users of the library, to do as much as we can to help assist with your questions, to be sensitive to each user’s knowledge and skill level, and to direct you to the resources and library staff that will be most beneficial. We can help with a variety of different types of questions ranging from how to print and get set up with each printer, how to reserve a study room and where to find that study room, how to look up books and articles information on the digital media lab and writing tutors, where you can rent chargers, markers cameras, etc., where bathrooms are throughout the library, where different quiet spaces or classrooms are and more! We have weekly training courses that keep us up to date with new information and refresh the ways we can help answer your questions. We can also connect you with the best person or resource to answer your question. For example, we can tell you all about Special Collections with their collection of rare materials, the University Archives with private papers and manuscripts related to the history of the University, subject specific librarians to help with your research, and even the public library with great resources like free tutoring, audiobooks, and resume or interview help.

If you have any questions at all, don’t be afraid to come ask a peer navigator. You can find us in Ellis Library Sunday-Thursday starting at 10:00 am through 10:00 pm. There are no right or wrong questions, so please feel comfortable enough to come talk to us. Our goal is to get everyone more familiar with what the Libraries have to offer and how to utilize them throughout your time here at Mizzou!

home Ellis Library, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Resources and Services Protect Yourself and Your Research from Predatory Journal Publishers

Protect Yourself and Your Research from Predatory Journal Publishers

By Taira Meadowcroft   Posted in Ellis Library J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Resources and Services
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Predatory publishing doesn’t just take advantage of authors by misrepresenting review, editorial, and fee structures. It also hinders access to the work itself, hurting the overall enterprise of research. The epidemic of predatory journals reached serious enough heights in 2016 that the Federal Trade Commission charged OMICS, one such publisher of hundreds of predatory journals, for its deceptive practices.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” says Janice Dysart, Science Librarian and creator of the Where to Publish Your Research guide. “Be wary of these email solicitations from publishers trying to get you to submit articles to their journals.” She recommends using the Think Check Submit checklist to determine whether a publisher is legitimate.

Anyone can fall victim to predatory journal publishers. Jung Ha-Brookshire, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences, and Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Textile and Apparel Management, relates her experience after a graduate student recommended a journal a few years ago. She says, “I didn’t think twice about it. We submitted our paper and got accepted without any revisions. Then they were asking us to send money somewhere in Pakistan.” She still didn’t realize what was happening because she hadn’t even heard of “predatory journals.”

That all changed about a year later when she learned of a list of predatory journals from her colleagues. “We found out that our journal was on that list,” she says. They tried to withdraw their work from the publication but couldn’t. Because the journal wasn’t legitimate, the article could only be found via the specific URL and not by searching, so they pulled the publication information from their CVs. Jung says, “We had to take that manuscript as a loss because we couldn’t even take that paper to other publishers since, technically, it is already published.”

After that experience, Jung now checks with her subject librarian, Noël Kopriva, every time she encounters a journal she hasn’t heard of, “no matter how good the website looks.” Jung advises, “Be careful with choosing the right journals. Do not get fooled by address, location, a beautiful website, and a wonderful set of editorial board names. Check with your librarian first when in doubt!”

For more information on how to spot predatory journal publishers, see our Where to Publish Your Research guide or contact your subject librarian

Originally published in 2018 by Jen Gravley, Research and Instruction Librarian

home Cycle of Success, Ellis Library Rare Materials Essential to Understanding History

Rare Materials Essential to Understanding History

By Shannon Cary   Posted in Cycle of Success Ellis Library
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Colton Ochsner, a history doctoral student at MU, does research on the origins of fantasy and science fiction films in modern German history. Colton chose the German cinema as his concentration because German films have become very influential. “They made a lot of movies that have spread across the world and influenced film, especially to America. Anything from Blade Runner to Star Wars has been inspired in some way by a lot of these older movies, especially visually. I have been drawn to these older movies in particular because I have known about the occult and I have seen it working in these movies and yet no scholar has pointed it out,” he said.

Knowing how specialized his research could be, Colton sought the help of Ellis librarians. “My research wouldn’t be possible without the librarians help because the books and movies from this era require Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to access them,” Colton said.

“The research Colton is doing on film and esoteric groups in Germany in the 1920s requires materials that are pretty sparse and many have not survived World War II and post-war disruptions,” said Anne Barker, humanities librarian. Anne is also fluent in German and how German libraries are structured, which makes it easier to fulfill Colton’s research requests. Anne helped Colton with deciphering references as he was trying to locate books and articles often with incomplete information. Anne said, “We’re so used to finding things online, it’s easy to forget that many things have not yet been digitized or indexed well.”

Since 2013, the ILL department processed more than 1,200 ILL requests for Colton. Oi-Chi (Ivy) Hui, head of ILL borrowing, works with Colton to fulfill the obscure requests. “It’s teamwork,” Ivy said. She has requested materials for Colton from Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada and throughout the United States. “Since these requests were not processed through the system, tracking correspondence manually and signing papers for copyright compliance is a challenge. Some of these materials took months before they got here,” Ivy said.

“The basic related teachings of the occult during this time-period that includes writings and images are important because in Germany people associated images, ideas and emotions with films,” Colton said. The research materials gave Colton the confirmation he needed. During his research, Colton found a poster from a 1919 film. While looking at the poster, he discovered the name of a book he had never heard. It turns out only two libraries in the world had the book. “It was a piece of pulp fiction literature from 1919. It was only published because it was going to be used to make an action and adventure movie,” he stated. Ivy was able to find the obscure book with the minimal information available and successfully filled the request.

With Anne and Ivy’s help, Colton continues to work on his research with a projected graduation date of 2023.

Cycle of Success is the idea that libraries, faculty, and students are linked; for one to truly succeed, we must all succeed. The path to success is formed by the connections between University of Missouri Libraries and faculty members, between faculty members and students, and between students and the libraries that serve them. More than just success, this is also a connection of mutual respect, support, and commitment to forward-thinking research.

If you would like to submit your own success story about how the libraries have helped your research and/or work, please use the Cycle of Success form.

Article written by Christina Mascarenas