home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Digital Media and Innovation Lab in Ellis Library

Digital Media and Innovation Lab in Ellis Library

The Digital Media and Innovation Lab (DMiL) in Ellis Library provides innovative technology and resources for your creative projects.  The DMiL has an Audio Recording Booth, Digital Art Tools, and 3D Scanners in Room 156; interview recording room in Room 157, and a film studio in Room 3E21.

The DMiL is complemented by the Information Commons computers and equipment checkout at the checkout & information desk.  The DMiL is available to students for class or personal projects.

You can make a reservation and check-in or stop by for a consultation in Room 153.

Monday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Questions & Consultation email: ellisdml@missouri.edu

home Gateway Carousel, Workshops Predatory Journals: The Dark Side of Open Access

Predatory Journals: The Dark Side of Open Access

Protect your research. Publish with confidence.

Not all journals are created equal. Some exist solely to profit from unsuspecting scholars—without offering real peer review or academic credibility. Join us for an informative workshop that will help you:

  • Spot the warning signs of predatory journals
  • Understand how they operate and why they’re harmful
  • Discover trusted tools to find reputable, high-quality publications for your work

Presenter: Janice Dysart, Science Librarian, Research & Information Services
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting out, this session will empower you to navigate the publishing landscape with clarity and confidence.

Register here for this online workshop.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: What’s New with Discover@MU

Peer Navigator Corner: What’s New with Discover@MU

Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

If you’ve used the Discover@MU search bar on the library’s home page before this semester, you might be surprised to find a new interface. Beyond the homepage, this interface change includes all databases sold by EBSCO, including favorites like PsycInfo and ERIC. 

One improved feature is the “Peer-Reviewed (Academic) Journals” filter, which is found underneath the search bar after an initial search. Although this was a feature on the old interface, it is now easier to find and apply for research projects that require peer-reviewed sources. Quick tip: if you apply this filter, it will apply to future searches until you turn it off. 

Along with a change in aesthetics, the new interface offers several new exciting features, like a concept map. To access this tool, make your initial search through the Discover@MU search bar and then you’ll find it on the left-hand side toolbar underneath “Research Tools.” This will take you to a new tab where you can view concepts related to your search in a grid or map format. This tool could be helpful brainstorming in the early stages of research for a project or paper, or to deepen your understanding of the context surrounding a specific topic. 

Another new component of this interface is the natural language search option. While searching the way you have in Google has always been a part of the Discovery layer, this AI tool expands on your search by looking for similar terms. Like the concept map, you will first have to make an initial search on the Discover@MU search bar. Underneath the filters at the top of the page, there is an option to turn on natural language search. If you’re new to researching, this tool could be a helpful starting point and can find different resources than the advanced search. 

In addition to concept maps and natural language search, you can now easily access your personal dashboard through the left-hand side toolbar. Here, your project folders, saved articles and searches, recent activity, requests, loans, and journal alerts are found. If your project folders didn’t migrate to the new interface, this LibGuide gives detailed instructions on how to retrieve them.

For any questions or concerns, the LibGuide previously mentioned or the feedback option on the right sidebar are great places to start. However, if you would like research help, using the live chat on the bottom right or scheduling a consultation with a research librarian are still excellent options. Happy Researching!

home Events and Exhibits, Gateway Carousel, Gateway Carousel Zalk Veterinary Medical Library Banned Books Week Presentation by Samuel Cohen, Mizzou Associate Professor of English

Banned Books Week Presentation by Samuel Cohen, Mizzou Associate Professor of English

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
114A Ellis Library and Zoom
Register here to attend via Zoom

Dr. Cohen will discuss his forthcoming book anthology, Banning Books in America: Not a How-to.

Since 2020, the U.S. has seen unprecedented efforts at the state and local level to exert control over what is taught and read by banning, challenging, or censoring books in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and public libraries. Beginning with criticisms of the 1619 Project and gathering steam with attacks on Critical Race Theory and DEI, these efforts have led to state legislatures, school boards, and city councils becoming culture war battlegrounds. In this talk, Sam Cohen will look at these contemporary battles in the contexts of the long history of book bans, of specific books challenged by them, and of the larger questions raised about the competing interests and values at play.

Presentation sponsored by the Mizzou Libraries and the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies

home Gateway Carousel, Workshops Research Ready in 15 Minutes

Research Ready in 15 Minutes

This October, the Mizzou Libraries will host Research Ready in 15 Minutes, a two-week series of 15-minute virtual workshops designed to introduce students, faculty, and staff to essential library databases.

Running from October 6 – 17, each session will feature:

  1. A brief overview of a key research database
  2. A live demonstration of search, access, and save features
  3. A highlight of a unique tool or function

The goal of this series is to provide accessible, low-pressure learning opportunities for busy users who need a quick refresher (or an introduction) to resources that support their research and coursework. All sessions will be recorded and posted to our workshops recording page for on-demand viewing.

Find more information and our toolkit on the Research Ready Guide! We encourage you to share the PDF flyer and digital signage with anyone who may be interested or benefit from the series!

We hope to see you at one of the sessions!

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Lockers with Chargers Available in Ellis Library

Lockers with Chargers Available in Ellis Library

Looking for a place to store your items and charge your phone? Personal storage lockers with USB chargers are available in Ellis Library, next to the elevators on the main floor.

These lockers are free to use, but a Mizzou TigerCard (MU ID) is required for access. If you do not have a physical MU ID, you can check out a temporary ID at the North Service Desk, which will allow you to use the lockers. These lockers were purchased with funds from the Enhance Mizzou student fee.

Spacesaver Lockers

  • There are two USB charger ports to charge electronic devices in each locker. Chargers are available at the Check Out and Information Desk.
  • You can only use one locker at a time.
  • Lockers can only be used for one day at a time. Any items left in the lockers overnight will be taken to Lost and Found at the Ellis Library West Entrance Desk.

Instructions

  • Push on the door to open the locker door. Available lockers have a green light on the numbered panel. Occupied lockers have a red light.
  • Put Items in the locker. Charge electronic devices by plugging into USB charger ports.
  • Close locker door. Press your Mizzou TigerCard against the numbered panel to lock the door. The light will turn red. Remember your locker number.
  • Open the locked door by pressing your Mizzou TigerCard against the numbered panel. The light will turn green and the door will open.

Contact the West or North Service desks if you have any problems using the lockers.

home Events and Exhibits, Gateway Carousel Silent Reading Book Club at Mizzou Libraries

Silent Reading Book Club at Mizzou Libraries

Hello! Join us for Silent Book Club, a low-pressure, no-assignments reading group for book lovers of all kinds! Bring whatever book you’re currently reading—fiction, nonfiction, graphic novel, or anything else—and enjoy an hour of quiet reading in the company of others. There’s no required reading or group discussion—just a cozy, welcoming space to relax, read, and share the love of books. Come early or stay late to chat about what you’re reading, or just enjoy the quiet time. All readers are welcome!

For more information, visit our Silent Reading Book Club LibGuide.

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Do’s and Don’ts of Ellis Library

Peer Navigator Corner: Do’s and Don’ts of Ellis Library

Written by: Mekenzie Moffet

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or regular, Ellis Library is one of the best places on campus to study, research, or just relax between classes. To help everyone have a great experience, here are some quick Do’s & Don’ts to keep in mind:

DO:

  • Find Your Study Spot – explore all of Ellis and figure out where you thrive best, whether that be in one of our quiet spaces or maybe downstairs at the cafe with bustling people around you.
  • Use Group Study Rooms – Reserve one of our many study rooms for you and your classmates if you need to collaborate.
    • Reserve a study spot here
  • Take Advantage of Resources – Don’t forget about the Digital Media Lab, the writing tutors in Room 115, and all the databases you have access to by being a student. Another important tip is to use the librarian chat on our website if you have any research questions for a quick response.
  • Respect Shared Spaces – Keep your voices low in quiet zones and share tables during fairly busy times.

DON’T:

  • Don’t Bring Full Meals – Drinks with lids and small snacks are fine, but full meals should be eaten by the Bookmark Cafe to keep our space clean.
  • Don’t Leave Belongings Unattended for Long – Not only can items get lost, but unattended belongings could get taken and take space from your peers.
  • Don’t Distract Others – Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or playing video games without headphones.
    • Pro Tip: You can check out headphones from the circulation desk!
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Ask The Peer Navigators for Anything – We are here for you and to answer any questions you may have while you’re at the library.

PRO TIPS:

  • If you lose a belonging or come across an item that was left behind, go and see the West Security Desk and they will take care of you!
  • Bookmark Cafe has great coffee and a way shorter line than Starbucks in Memorial, and they also have microwaves to warm up your lunch.
  • Follow the library on social media for updates on events, workshops, and funny videos.