Your source for what's new at Mizzou Libraries
Did you leave your laptop at home? Forgot your phone charger? Need a camera? The Checkout Desk at your library can help you out. A list of the available equipment can be found here. All equipment is available with your student ID. Materials can be renewed in person at the desk. There is a $2 fine for every hour it is returned late.
So, the next time you are studying all day at the library and your phone dies, don’t worry! Just head over to the Checkout Desk at your library.
Located outside of the Health Sciences Library, in the small hallway by the elevators, is the library quiet room.
This room was created during our library renovation as a private space that anyone can use. The quiet room locks from the inside and can be used for meditation, lactation, prayer, or as a quiet space to be by yourself.
There is no key. If the room is unoccupied, it’s free for use.
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!
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.
International Open Access Week is October 20-26! This year’s theme, Who Owns Our Knowledge?, invites us to reflect on how research is shared and who has access to it.
Explore open access through our recorded workshops:
Check out the library guide to learn more about why open access is important, how you can publish your work openly, and how to retain your copyright.
Written by: Josiah Abbot
While you may be aware of the many books and resources available through Ellis Library, if you are looking to do any legal research, turn no further than our Law Library. For example, if you are a social work student looking at policy or a political science major researching law. Reference services are available from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays, but the library is open to all students from 7:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on the weekend. Due to space constraints, non-law students cannot use the library for general study. However, you can access resources through the Reference Alcove after checking in at their front desk. This space offers access to Westlaw software, a powerful legal database. Within this database, you can find numerous documents ranging from case law to statutes to secondary law sources. You can email yourself several of these sources a day and the limit resets each day. Within the Alcove you will also find a “Reference Student,” similar to the Ellis Peer Navigators. If you are unsure of what you are looking for or where best to find it, they can help point you in the right direction.
If you would rather research from home, you can still access some of the Law Library’s online databases. When you navigate to their webpage, click on the “Law Library” drop-down menu and then select student resources.
Under the “Legal Research” subsection you can find a link to their database list – any databases with an MU logo are open to any MU students, while the rest you would need to be in the Law Library to access.
One great resource they recommend is HeinOnline, a comprehensive source of treaties and international agreements that the United States is part of. It also has law and law-related periodicals. One reason students often choose HeinOnline is that its sources have a PDF structure, making it easy to transfer documents and cite your information.
Another useful resource available to all students is their databases on intellectual property. The “Intellectual Property Law Collection” will allow you to access cases relating to patent law. For more on patent issuances and treatises (these can be anything from the design of your Starbucks cup to NASA spaceships and Phantom of the Opera’s stage!), you can access a different database through VitalLaw (titled “Intellectual Property” within their database list). VitalLaw allows you to find Patent and Trademark Office documents for things like Pfizer rulings from the PTO.
If online databases are not your style and you prefer physical copies of resources, you can always take a look at print materials. Similarly to how you would search for books from Ellis, their books, periodicals, and journals can be found through the Libraries Discover layer. Once you’ve started a search, on the side panel under location, you can filter down to only resources from the Law Library. Journals can be reviewed onsite, and when you checkout books you can choose from any pickup location as you would normally be able to.
Altogether, the Law Library is a great resource for students. If you are in a class and need to research a project that is closely related to law, accessing their resources could greatly benefit you. Even if you don’t have a project, they have a variety of specific resources that are interesting to check out.
Written by: Annalise Miller
At some point during your academic and professional journey, you will likely find yourself emailing a professor, university staff member, or other dignitary person. You might be writing to ask for a letter of recommendation, to apply for a job, or to communicate about an assignment. When that time comes, it is crucial to have solid email etiquette under your belt. Think of it as the art of writing polite, clear, and effective emails. The “rules” of email etiquette may vary depending on the recipient, but having a strong foundation in email etiquette will set you up for success in any situation.
As a college student, communication with professors through email is something that will undoubtedly happen during your years at Mizzou. Make sure that all MU-related emails are coming from your University assigned email address. Before constructing your email, write a clear and concise subject line. This helps clarify what your message is about and will help busy professors prioritize your email. “POL-SC 4641 Discussion Post Grade,” “Absence Notification for ENG 1000 on 2/02/2025,” or “Feedback Request for BUS 2000” are all examples of good subject lines. Subject lines should avoid all caps, emojis, or ambiguity.
Similar to writing a letter, emails should begin with a greeting. Try to avoid informal greetings like “What’s up, Kim,” or “Heyyyyy.” You are emailing a professional, not someone you just met online. “Ms. Kimberly Moeller” or “Dear Dr. Jones” are generally safe options, especially if you are unsure how the person prefers to be addressed. While some professors are fine with being called by their first names, others prefer to be referred to as “Dr.” or “Professor.”
Now, what about the body of your email? Make sure the recipient knows who you are and why you are contacting them in short, direct paragraphs. Do not make your email unnecessarily long or full of extraneous detail. That said, an important part of conciseness is making sure that you do not leave out any relevant information. Say everything that you need to say without being excessively wordy. In terms of follow-ups, try to wait at least 24 hours. This gives the recipient time to respond to your email.
Finally, use a professional sign off to conclude your email. For example: “Best, Annalise Miller” or “Sincerely, Shane Stearman”. You can get creative with this step, as long as you keep it polite and direct. Be sure to thank your recipient before signing off of your email, as well.
Before hitting “send,” do a quick proofread of your email. In emails, use grammar and punctuation as you would in any other piece of professional writing. Make sure that you do not overuse exclamation points (no matter how excited you are to be here at Mizzou) and end your sentences with periods. Do not type anything that you would not want to read out loud, either. Regardless of how mad you may be at a professor for not yet posting your grade, save the rage for ranting to your roommate. By following proper email etiquette, you can ensure effective communication while demonstrating professionalism and respect.
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Example Email:
Subject: POLSC 2000 Grade Inquiry
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Annalise Miller, and I am a student in your POLSC 2000 class (Section 2, Fall 2025). I am reaching out to inquire about when the final grades for the course will be posted. I understand that grading can take some time, and I just wanted to check if there is an estimated date for when we might be able to view our grades.
Thank you for your time and for all your hard work throughout the semester. I appreciate any information you can provide.
Best regards,
Annalise Miller
Written by: Alyssa Westhoff
The Student Success Center provides a variety of services designed to support students’ educational and professional development, and is located in Lowry Mall directly across from the North entrance of Ellis Library. It . The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Student Success Center is home to specialized services, including the Career Center, Center for Academic Excellence and Success, Community Engaged Learning, Discovery Center, Learning Center, and Transfer Center. Each serves a unique purpose designed specifically to help you succeed. The Career Center helps with resume building, cover letter writing, interview preparation, and professional headshots. The Center for Academic Excellence and Success offers career development, academic enrichment, and financial literacy support. The Community Engaged Learning Center provides opportunities for students to earn credit while engaging in hands-on learning that benefits others. The Discovery Center assists undecided students in exploring their interests and finding the right major. The Learning Center offers academic coaching, peer tutoring through Tiger Tutors, and 24/7 online tutoring in any subject. The Transfer Center is a peer-mentoring network that connects transfer students and helps them navigate campus life.
All of these services are completely free and are available to all Mizzou students – including you! To schedule appointments or learn more, visit: https://success.missouri.edu/student-success-resources/. I have personally used the Career Center for resume help as well as Tiger Tutoring during my time at Mizzou and can attest to their value. Many students don’t realize the full range of services available, so be sure to take advantage of everything the Student Success Center has to offer!
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!
Written by: Isabella Bickhaus
With so many assignments throughout the semester, I find that traditional book clubs—or any activity with a specific expectation—can be overwhelming. Even if the chosen book is one I truly enjoy, the book club date looms over my head like a Canvas deadline. That’s why I enjoy the format of Mizzou Libraries’ Bring Your Own Book Book Club (BYOBook Club), which centers around a monthly prompt instead of a specific book. This allows readers to come and share details about their own chosen book while adding the recommendations from others to their TBR (to be read) list.
Some prompts for the Spring 2025 semester include a book with a red or pink cover, a book from any of Book Riot’s Read Harder categories, and a book that contains one of your least favorite things (character, trope, etc.). If you do not want to follow the prompt, you don’t have to. Feel free to bring any book you are willing to share with the group, or take inspiration from a past prompt. If you do want to follow the prompt and are looking for a place to start, look no further than the BYOBook Club Library Guide. This guide includes recommendations for books in general, for upcoming prompts, and for past prompts. The books listed under the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 tab are the books shared at past meetings. Beyond book recommendations, the guide also includes different ways to borrow books, details about local bookstores here in Columbia, and banned book lists.
The BYOBook Club meets in 114A Ellis, a room close to the Lowry Mall entrance of Ellis Library with comfortable booth seating. In addition to snacks, conversation starters about the book(s) you bring can help you guide your discussion about your book. Whether you are an avid reader or interested in getting started, this book club has a spot for everyone.
Here are the Spring 2025 dates for the BYOBook Club: