home Gateway Carousel, Newsletter, Workshops Discover the Power of VuFind: A New Library Catalog Experience

Discover the Power of VuFind: A New Library Catalog Experience

Workshop: Introducing VuFind – Your New Gateway to the MU Libraries Catalog

When the Mizzou Libraries transitioned to FOLIO in 2022, we said goodbye to our traditional catalog interface. Discover@MU serves as our discovery tool – allowing users to search across our physical and online resources at one time. Given the breadth of resources included, some users have found it challenging to locate physical materials with ease within Discover@MU.

We heard you.

To enhance the search experience for physical materials in the libraries’ collections and bring back the functionality you’ve missed, we’re excited to introduce VuFind — a powerful, open-source library search platform developed by Villanova University. VuFind offers a classic catalog experience tailored to help you find the physical materials you need faster and more efficiently.

In this workshop, you’ll:
• Explore the features and benefits of VuFind
• Discover tips for searching physical materials
• Learn about the new options for renewing books
• Get a sneak peek at the new interface and provide feedback

Whether you’re a frequent library user or just curious about the new system, this session will help you make the most of our evolving catalog tools.
Date & Time: September 8, 1 pm
Who Should Attend: Researchers who want to learn more about the new catalog interface
Register here for online workshop
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Finding the Best Study Space

We have spaces for everyone. If you prefer silence, check out rooms 114, 201 (the Grand Reading Room) and 202 in Ellis Library. Check out this Ellis Library floorplan to see all the quiet spots. Journalism also has four private personal study pods on the bottom floor that are first come, first served.

If you don’t prefer complete silence, try the Information Commons (the first floor of Ellis Library). Or the Bookmark Café on the ground floor for coffee and conversation. You can always take a look at the Ellis Library sensory map to find the best study space for you.

If it’s a group study spot you are searching for, try to reserve one of the group study rooms in either Ellis, Engineering, Health Sciences or Journalism. They can be reserved for up to two hours for each group. Some also have Solstice monitors to help groups studying together share information with one another. Whatever you need, make sure and plan ahead, as rooms fill up quickly!

Remember, if your program has its own library, be sure to check out those spaces, as they are often designated specifically for you!

home Gateway Carousel, Hours, Newsletter Libraries Closed for Labor Day, Ellis Library Open 24/5 After Labor Day

Libraries Closed for Labor Day, Ellis Library Open 24/5 After Labor Day

All MU Libraries will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 1. Starting September 2, Ellis Library will be open 24 hours, five days a week, except for holidays, breaks and extended hours during finals.

From Sunday at 10 am to Friday at 7 pm, enjoy studying in Ellis Library 24 hours a day. On Saturday, the library is open from 10 am to 7 pm. All library hours can be found here.

Make sure you bring your Mizzou ID with you for late-night studying. From midnight to 7 am, a valid Mizzou ID is required to come into the library.

Only the ground floor of Ellis Library will be open from midnight to 7 am, and some library services will not be available. If you need research help, consider using our 24/7 chat service.

home Gateway Carousel, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Newsletter, Workshops Explore the Future of Research: AI Tools in Action

Explore the Future of Research: AI Tools in Action

Part 1: AI Research Tools – Demos & Ethical Considerations
In this 30-minute session, we’ll demo a range of AI research tools and dive into the ethical questions they raise. From bias and transparency to academic integrity, we’ll explore what responsible use of AI in research really looks like.

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Click here to register for this online workshop.


Part 2: Discover Keenious

Learn how Keenious, an AI-powered research assistant, can transform the way you explore academic literature. Sponsored by the library, this session introduces you to a tool that helps you uncover relevant papers and ideas—starting from just a few sentences.

Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Click here to register for this online workshop.

Attend one or both—each session offers unique insights and hands-on value. Whether you’re a student or faculty member this series will help you harness AI thoughtfully and effectively in your academic journey.

home Gateway Carousel, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Newsletter, Workshops Navigating the New Discover@MU Library Search Tool

Navigating the New Discover@MU Library Search Tool

Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Register here for this online workshop.

Discover@MU is your gateway to MU Libraries. Find books, articles, videos and more with just one search. Learn where to enter a basic search and where to find filters; how to get the full text of books and articles, whether in print or online, and learn how to save or download them for later use; and discover a unique tool in that database that can make research easier.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Summer Reading Favorites from Mizzou Librarians

Summer Reading Favorites from Mizzou Librarians

We asked Mizzou Librarians to tell us what their favorite read of the summer was and of course they had a lot to share!

In this list, you will find beach reads and dense reads. Fiction and non-fiction. This list has a little for everyone, no matter your reading tastes.

You can access the list using this link.

Happy reading!

TAGS:

Taira Meadowcroft

Taira Meadowcroft is the Public Health and Community Engagement Librarian at the Health Sciences Library at the University of Missouri.

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Library Welcome Activities for New and Returning Students

Peer Navigator Corner: Library Welcome Activities for New and Returning Students

Written by: Mekenzie Moffet

Ellis Library welcomes students with engaging Fall Welcome activities. Whether you’re a first-time freshman or a returning student seeking new study spots, these events offer an interactive way to discover the library’s resources or just enjoy using the space. The library goes beyond its role as an academic hub by offering these welcoming activities in a fun, stress-free environment.

The Ellis Library Escape Room stands out as a favorite Fall Welcome event. Students collaborate to solve puzzles and decode clues before time expires. This exciting challenge combines problem-solving with teamwork, perfect for anyone seeking an adventure.

You can also start your semester with a guided library tour to learn the essentials. These tours showcase the library’s layout—from study rooms and printing stations to research assistance desks and cozy study nooks. You’ll also hear about specialized resources like archives, online databases, and technology services that will prove valuable throughout your academic journey.

For the adventurous, Ellis Library’s scavenger hunts transform exploration into an exciting challenge. Participants follow clues through various library sections, discovering key locations and resources. It’s an excellent opportunity to bond with friends or meet new people as you uncover the library’s hidden treasures.

While you’re at the library—whether you’re here for fun activities, studying, or just exploring—be sure to stop by the Peer Navigator desk on the first floor! We’re located by the north entrance, ready to help with any questions you have about the library. Feel free to grab a flyer, say hello, and let us make your library experience even better!

Why join these activities? They’re both fun and practical—designed to help you navigate Ellis Library’s wealth of resources. Knowing where to find study spaces, research materials, and tech support can transform your semester. Plus, these interactive events make adjusting to college life more enjoyable.

Start your semester on the right foot with Ellis Library’s Fall Welcome activities to explore campus and meet fellow students. You might discover more than just your perfect study spot—you might find your next best friend!

home Gateway Carousel, Newsletter, Workshops Library Intro for Distance Students

Library Intro for Distance Students

Online workshops offered on August 20 and 29.
Click here to register.

If you’re new to MU as a distance student, join us for this webinar to learn how MU Libraries is here for you in your academic journey. We’ll discuss how to access academic research online, how to get books, and how to get help. This webinar is aimed at both graduate and undergraduate students who will be primarily working off campus and outside the Columbia area.

Can’t attend this workshop? Click here to see all library workshop recordings.

home Gateway Carousel, Newsletter, Workshops Library Resources for Graduate Students

Library Resources for Graduate Students

REGISTER here for workshops.

New to Mizzou as a grad student? Join us for a webinar where we will discuss:

  1. Accessing academic research
  2. Where to find subject specific help
  3. Grad student specific tools available through the libraries

Mizzou Libraries and Librarians are here to help you navigate this new stage in your research journey!

Workshops are offered on Aug. 20, Aug. 26, Sep. 3 and Sep. 11 Register here.

home Gateway Carousel, Newsletter, Workshops Unlock the Secrets of Academic Success: Join Us for a Tour of Ellis Library

Unlock the Secrets of Academic Success: Join Us for a Tour of Ellis Library

Begin your academic adventure! Embark on an unforgettable journey of knowledge as you discover the boundless treasures of Ellis Library. Explore endless shelves, uncover hidden gems and ignite your intellectual curiosity! Get ready to elevate your learning experience with a tour, specially crafted for new college students like you. Join us and unlock the secrets of academic success. You can also pick up some free library swag!

Tours will meet inside Ellis Library at the north entrance- the entrance off of Lowry Mall- at the Welcome Table near the Circulation Desk. Look for our table stacked with bookmarks and flyers and the tour guide will meet you there.

Welcome Week: Two Tours a Day

  • From 11:00am-12:00pm
  • From 1:00pm – 2:00pm

First Week of Classes: One Tour a Day

  • Monday – From 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • Tuesday – From 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Wednesday – From 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • Thursday – 11:00am – 12:00pm
  • Friday – From 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Click here to register!