home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Journalism Library, Special Collections and Archives, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: Magazines

Peer Navigator Corner: Magazines

By Kimberly Moeller Posted in Ellis Library Gateway Carousel Journalism Library Special Collections and Archives Staff news

Posted on March 17, 2026March 23, 2026

Written by: Annalise Miller

Print media and hard-copy magazines may feel old-school in a digital world, but are actually a great primary source that can be used to study cultural trends, analyze public opinion, examine advertising, track political and social change over time, and better understand how people experienced and interpreted events as they were happening. Mizzou Library has a great selection of magazines both online and in the library itself.

In Ellis Library, physical copies of magazines can be found in a couple of different places. New issues are located behind the Peer Navigator desk in Information Commons 2 on the first floor of Ellis, near government documents and DVDs. Once the whole year of publications are available, these physical copies are bound together and moved into the stacks based on subject.

The Journalism Library, located at 401 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65211, has an even greater selection of physical copies of magazines including TIME, with others like Forbes and Publishers Weekly available through database access..

Special Collections, located on the fourth floor of Ellis, is another great place to explore historic magazines (amongst other things), with some collections dating back to 1805. The collection includes bridal, religious, beauty, and sports magazines, collections title Style Before Social Media: Fifteen Fashion and Beauty Magazines, and Toys and Collectibles, as well as a variety of specialty publications, such as pet care. All of these materials can be viewed by visiting the Special Collections and Archives homepage and scheduling a time to stop by.

Special Collections also has a wide selection of online magazine exhibits. “Life in America: Sixteen Black Magazines from 1953-1998” looks at the history of influential Black news and lifestyle magazines such as Ebony, Jet, Sepia, and Emerge, that served Black audiences often overlooked by mainstream media. The exhibit highlights how these publications covered news, culture, and every day life. Another exhibit examines the rise of bridal magazines, including titles like Brides and Modern Bride that shaped wedding culture. This exhibit features issues from 1992 to 2011 and explores how print media guided engaged couples through evolving trends and the bridal industry

Online publications that are not a part of Special Collections can be accessed through Discover@MU and searching specifically for Journal/Source Title, or through databases like Fashion Studies Publications that compile magazines for easy searching. Some of these titles include the Vogue archive, Harpaars Bazaar, and Women’s Wear Daily.

Magazines are a great resource at the University of Missouri Libraries, whether you need them for a class, for research, or just as something interesting to flip through.

home Cycle of Success, Gateway Carousel, Staff news Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Undergraduate Research

Scholarship Recognizes Outstanding Undergraduate Research

By Shannon Cary Posted in Cycle of Success Gateway Carousel Staff news

Posted on March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Two students have been recognized with scholarship awards for exceptional undergraduate research projects, earning top honors for the depth, rigor, and originality of their work.

Student photo — 1st Place Winner, Lucy Banion

First place, a $1,000 scholarship, was awarded to Lucy Banion for her senior thesis, “’Saving Muslim Women:’ How Language Justifies Intervention Through USAID Family Planning Programs in Pakistan Between 1965–1979 and 2001–2018.” Ms. Banion impressed the selection committee with a detailed and compelling research statement, as well as her persistence in working with a challenging but critically important source base. Her project drew extensively on an online archive of historical USAID documents that became available after the agency was dismantled, demonstrating both methodological skill and a strong commitment to uncovering complex historical narratives.

Second place, a $500 scholarship, was awarded to Ava S. O’Bryan for her honors research project in music education, “Literature Review: Chamber Music in K–12 Music Education.” Ms. O’Bryan’s work stood out for its deep engagement with the subject and her ability to bring a wide range of theoretical and empirical sources into thoughtful and critical conversation across time. The committee noted the sophistication of her analysis and the clarity with which she synthesized scholarship from multiple perspectives.

Together, these projects reflect the high level of undergraduate research excellence and the meaningful contributions students are making across disciplines.

home Ellis Library, Events and Exhibits, Gateway Carousel, Staff news Peer Navigator Corner: Exhibits

Peer Navigator Corner: Exhibits

By Kimberly Moeller Posted in Ellis Library Events and Exhibits Gateway Carousel Staff news

Posted on March 10, 2026March 13, 2026

Written by: Allison Boedges

Ellis Library is home to a large number of exhibits and showcases from permanent fixtures, annual displays, and others that are constantly new or frequently switched out.

Permanent exhibits:

The cast gallery can be found on the second floor of the building in a quiet study space. The larger than life sculptures are a part of the Museum of Art and Archaeology’s collection (but are too tall for the museum space!) are worth a visit from every student at some point.

Also on the second floor, the M.L. Snowden Collection features multiple statues carved of bronze in the windows of the Grand Reading Room. M.L. Snowden won several of the world’s most prestigious sculpture prizes including The International Rodin Competition in Tokyo, Japan, and the inaugural Presidential Order of Merit “In Recognition of Significant Contributions to the Betterment of Humanity Through Art.”

Ellis is currently hosting a campaign buttons collection on the 1st floor of the library. The collection features the entire campaign of 1896, with all presidential elections through 1996. The collection represents a lifetime of work by Sandy and Barry Garron, who donated their full collection to the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs in 2021.

The Museum of Anthropology is located on the ground floor of Ellis. Open from 10-4 Tuesday-Friday and 12-4 on weekends, the museum offers a multitude of exhibits designed to allow visitors to broaden their understanding of human history. The museum is currently featuring several revolving exhibits, including beautiful Native American embroidery done by dyeing and stitching porcupine quills and watercolor paintings done by Pueblo Artists in the early 20th century. More exhibits can be found online at https://anthromuseum.missouri.edu/exhibitions.

The Museum of Art and Archeology is also located on the ground floor of Ellis. With the same hours as the Museum of Anthropology, these exhibits showcase a wide range of original art and artifacts. Some exhibitions are permanent while others rotate and include everything from ancient works to contemporary art. New exhibits at the museum include a series titled From Earth to Artist: Clay, featuring works from Ancient China, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean and Catching Light: Two River Views featuring works from two early 20th century artists. Another display case holding artifacts from the museum can be found near the Peer Navigator desk on the first floor of the library. For more information about current and past exhibits, check out the Museum’s exhibition page, and updates about displays, please see the Museum’s news page.

Annual Exhibits in the Colonnade:

During Faculty Excellence Week, Ellis hosts an exhibit for all faculty who have published or edited a book in the past year. These books are part of the MU Libraries Collection and will be available in time for Faculty Excellence Week, which is May 4th to May 11th.

The Visual Art and Design Showcase is a venue for undergraduate students to display their work. Various awards are offered during this exhibition, including the MU Libraries Showcase award. The winner of this category is displayed on the first floor of Ellis Library in a case located near the Peer Navigator desk.

Each year during February, Ellis offers exhibits honoring Black History Month. These include a special book collection, art, and displays celebrating the month. For more information on exhibits and events, see https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/mulibraryexhibits/BHM.

Current Exhibits:

An exhibit honoring the 13th President of the University and namesake of the library, Elmer Ellis, displays information on this very pivotal figure in the University’s history. Under his direction, the University of Missouri grew to 4 campuses, which formed what is now known as the University of Missouri System. Additional information on Elmer Ellis, and the history of the library with his name, can be found on the Ellis Old and New section of the Library website.

The art featured in Bookmark Cafe, located on the ground floor of the library, rotates each semester. Currently, Ellis is hosting the artist René de Jesús Peña González, who generously loaned two works to the library. The first is titled Flamenco and the second, part of a larger series, is titled Sad Blue Child.

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

Lockers With Chargers Available in Ellis Library

By Shannon Cary Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services

Posted on March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

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 Gateway Carousel, J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library, Resources and Services Mizzou Libraries Launch New Strategic Plan to Strengthen Learning, Discovery and Community Impact

Mizzou Libraries Launch New Strategic Plan to Strengthen Learning, Discovery and Community Impact

By Shannon Cary Posted in Gateway Carousel J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library Resources and Services

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

The University of Missouri Libraries has unveiled a new strategic plan that sets a clear, values‑driven direction for the Libraries’ future as the University’s scholarly home. Grounded in sustainability, adaptability and service to the Mizzou community, the plan outlines how the Libraries will focus resources, strengthen impact and support teaching, learning and research across the University.

“Mizzou Libraries are essential to the University’s scholarly environment,” the plan states, emphasizing a commitment to empowering everyone at Mizzou to explore, learn and discover. The strategic plan affirms the Libraries’ role in delivering services and resources that help every member of the University community thrive while adapting in strategic, creative and sustainable ways to meet current realities.

Central to the strategic plan are clearly defined strategic priorities, each supported by objectives designed to guide action and measure progress. These priorities build on the Libraries’ existing strengths while ensuring that future efforts remain visible, relevant and meaningful to Mizzou and the broader community:

Sustainable Revitalization: Recalibrate and revitalize programs, spaces and practices to match current realities and resources. By focusing on what is achievable and meaningful, the Libraries will deliver visible wins, strengthen morale, and focus energy where it matters most, laying the groundwork for the Libraries’ future.
Every Student’s Success: Building on the Libraries’ strengths in supporting undergraduates to support students at every level. These avenues of support prepare students for a changing digital landscape and reflect that the Libraries are a cornerstone to every student’s success.
Revealing Research: Showcase the Libraries’ role in creating, preserving and connecting Mizzou’s research to the world. By surfacing its role in the research process, securing durable digital infrastructure, and leveraging campus and statewide partnerships, the Libraries will ensure Mizzou’s research is visible, valued and impactful.
The Library and Our Land-Grant Mission: Advance Mizzou’s land-grant mission by extending knowledge, expertise and resources beyond campus to serve the people of Missouri. Through statewide and system-wide partnerships, distinct local collections, and services responsive to community needs, the Libraries will share knowledge and tools to support the people of Missouri.

Throughout the plan, Mizzou Libraries reaffirm their core values: engaging staff and partners with respect, celebrating Mizzou’s excellence in research and creativity, and fostering a culture of learning, assessment and continuous improvement. These values guide decision‑making and underscore the Libraries’ commitment to serving students, faculty staff and researchers at every stage of their academic journeys.

The full strategic plan is available online.

home Gateway Carousel Welcome to Heba Abd El Salem

Welcome to Heba Abd El Salem

By Shannon Cary Posted in Gateway Carousel

Posted on March 3, 2026March 4, 2026

The Mizzou Libraries are pleased to announce that Heba Abd El Salam has been appointed as the Languages, Literatures and Digital Humanities Librarian. Her work combines librarianship, public history and anthropology, focusing on cultural heritage, migration and community-engaged scholarship. She is deeply committed to public service and education, which informs her approach to research support, teaching, outreach and digital humanities initiatives.

Heba began her library career as a graduate assistant at the undergraduate library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her degree from the School of Library and Information Science and a graduate certificate in digital humanities. During her graduate studies, she led an outreach project that connected immigrant communities with the history, art and culture of North Carolina and directed a multilingual digital exhibition showcasing the history of the Triangle area.

Before pursuing a career in library science, Heba earned a PhD in public history from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Central Florida. She has led cultural heritage preservation projects in Egypt and has experience as a program advisor at the American Research Center in Egypt, as well as a cultural heritage consultant at the American School of Overseas Research. Her focus has been on outreach, research and cultural heritage preservation. Additionally, Heba’s professional training includes internships at the British Museum in London and the Center for Cultural Heritage at Heidelberg University in Germany. She also served as a teaching fellow at Duke University.

home Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services, Support the Libraries Expanding Access to Music Resources at Mizzou Libraries

Expanding Access to Music Resources at Mizzou Libraries

By Shannon Cary Posted in Gateway Carousel Resources and Services Support the Libraries

Posted on February 20, 2026

Mizzou is dedicated to preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the world—as performers, composers, teachers and scholars—while expanding the understanding and impact of music through performance, composition and research. Mizzou Libraries plays a vital role in this mission, and thanks to generous donor support, that role continues to grow.

Since joining Mizzou Libraries, Music Librarian Janet Hilts has been focused on strengthening and expanding music collections to better serve the academic community. Recent investments have significantly enhanced access to both digital and print resources that support performance, instruction and research across the School of Music.

One notable addition is IPA Source, a digital tool designed especially for voice performance students. This resource provides International Phonetic Alphabet transcriptions of aria and art song texts, supporting accurate pronunciation and deeper engagement with vocal repertoire.
Another major enhancement is the new subscription to nkoda, a vast digital sheet music library. Through nkoda, students and faculty now have access to high-quality editions and in-copyright works for performance, analysis research and instruction. These materials were previously difficult or impossible to access at this scale.

These digital investments are complemented by substantial growth in physical collections. Between fiscal years 2023 and 2025, the number of music scores and books acquired annually increased by 123 percent. In fiscal year 2025 alone, 302 new music resources were added to the collection. This expansion was made possible in large part by the collaborative efforts of humanities librarians, who worked together to reallocate monograph funds more equitably. As a result, the fund for score and music book purchases increased by 79 percent.

With more music resources comes more behind-the-scenes work. The expertise and dedication of the Acquisitions, Collections and Technical Services team have been essential in ensuring these materials are acquired, processed and made accessible to users. Their efforts help transform donor generosity into tangible impact for students and faculty.

Collaboration between Mizzou Libraries and the School of Music continues to deepen. Currently in development is an ensemble sheet music collection project, along with ongoing efforts to add digital scores of new music by living composers. These initiatives point toward an exciting future of continued growth and innovation.

Your support helps ensure that Mizzou’s musicians have the resources they need to learn, create, and perform—today and for years to come. If you’d like to learn more about creating an endowment to support the Mizzou Libraries contact Matt Gaunt.

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