“Why every scientist needs a librarian”
Nature, February 23, 2026
Article Spotlight: Why Every Scientist Needs a Librarian
“Why every scientist needs a librarian”
Nature, February 23, 2026
Resources and Services
Check Out Your Books 24/7 With Our Pickup Lockers
Did you know we have two on-campus locations where you can pick up your library books 24/7?
Users can choose Ellis Locker or Lottes Locker as their pickup location when requesting MU Libraries materials. Once the item is ready, users will receive an access code to pick it up.
Patrons who select the pickup locker location will receive an email saying they have three days to pick up their library materials. At this time, only regular library items will be included in the pickup lockers; no equipment, reserve materials or ILL materials.
The Ellis Library lockers are located inside the vestibule of the west entrance, which is near Speaker’s Circle. The Health Sciences Library Pickup lockers are located in the Medical Science Building, just across the courtyard from the Medical Annex.
Questions? Contact mulibrarycircdesk@missouri.edu.
Overview of Recent University of Missouri Publications in Medicine and Related Fields: March 2026
Each month we provide an overview of University of Missouri School of Medicine faculty-authored articles in medicine and related fields as well as a featured article with the highest journal impact factor.
This month’s featured article, “Governing real-world health data as a public utility:The utility model offers a framework for ethical stewardship, patient empowerment, and distributed innovation”, was co-authored by Dr. Abu Mosa of the department of Biomed Informatics Biostat EPI. The article was published in Science (impact factor of 45.8 in 2024).
See the list of publications in medicine and related fields we retrieved for this month: https://library.muhealth.org/facpubmonthlyresult/?Month=March&Year=2026
Important Engineering Library Update
At the end of the semester, the library will close. It will reopen in Fall 2026 as a combined learning commons and makerspace. Additionally:
- Technology upgrades are planned, including improved computing resources to better support engineering software and coursework.
- Career Services staff will be embedded within the space, increasing access to professional development and employer engagement. Library staff will be relocated to Ellis Library and other libraries on campus.
- Decisions regarding physical collections are still under discussion.
- The makerspace component will include dedicated areas for digital fabrication, CNC manufacturing, electronics fabrication, capstone work and a central assembly area.
More information will be shared as the project progresses.
Peer Navigator Corner: Hidden Library Gems
By: Mekenzie Moffet
When students think of Ellis, they likely picture study floors, computers, and maybe the printers that stress you out when you’re already running late for class. However, Ellis is way more than a place to just grind out homework – tucked around the building are pretty interesting spaces you might not even realize you have access to.
One of the spaces that I will forever believe are underused are the museums. Yes, Ellis actually houses museums (plural) in the library. There is the Museum of Art & Archeology, Museum of Anthropology, and the Cast gallery. The first two are located on the ground floor and the Cast Gallery is on the second floor. These spaces offer rotating exhibits and are a great way to take a brain break without physically leaving the library if you don’t want to. I really enjoy the art and archaeology museum because some of it gives off major The Last Airbender vibes — my fellow nerds unite. Which is why this is also a great place to take family when they visit.
For students interested in history or unique materials, Special Collections and Archives houses rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents. You don’t need to be an expert researcher to visit, just book an appointment with an idea of what you would like to see. The materials are stored in climate controlled areas of the library, so letting the librarians know what you’re interested in gives them the time to pull a variety of resources you might be interested in.
If you’re looking for a cozy, quiet spot, The Nook on the fourth floor is a hidden gem. Tucked away, calm, and with a ton of windows for natural light, it’s a perfect studying spot especially if you just need to decompress or if the other parts of the library feel overwhelming.
Ellis is also home to a Digital Media Lab on the first floor, giving students access to tools and technology for creative and academic projects. Whether you’re working on a class assignment, presentation, or just experimenting with digital media, this is a resource worth checking out. The DML includes a studio space on the third floor that’s ideal for recording videos, or working with a giant green screen with great lighting.
Finally, right next to the Digital Media Lab, one really cool feature of Ellis is the audio recording studio. This is where students can create their own podcast, either just for fun or for a class project. Even if you’ve never touched recording equipment before, there’s no need to worry. When you book the room, there’s an option to request staff assistance. Someone will meet you at the beginning of your allotted time to show you how everything works and answer any questions, making the space super beginner friendly. The space even includes access to the Adobe Creative Suite – something that’s usually pricey even with the MU student discount.
Ellis doesn’t have to just be a place to study – it’s full of resources and spaces designed to make you into the academic weapon we all strive to be and keep you creatively entertained. If you’re ever unsure how to use something or where to start, that’s what Peer Navigators and library staff are here for. Don’t be afraid to ask – you might even discover a new favorite spot or resource you didn’t know existed.
New Database Trial: kweliTV
Mizzou Libraries has set up a trial of kweliTV until May 5th.
kweliTV is a mission-driven mass media and entertainment company that celebrates global Black stories and amplifies black creators representing North America, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia through more than 900 curated indie films, documentaries, animation, shows, children’s programming and audio stories as well as immersive and live experiences. As a global platform, kweliTV is accessible from anywhere on the world and distributed to several mobile and TV apps, platforms and educational institutions.
You can provide feedback on kweliTV at this link: https://missouri.libwizard.com/f/DatabaseFeedback*
If you have questions about the database or how to use it, contact your librarian at ask@missouri.libanswers.com.
*A database trial is used to evaluate the resource and gather feedback from users to help us plan for collection changes in the future.
Lean Library Allows You to Access Mizzou Libraries—Anywhere, Anytime
Lean Library is a free browser extension available to all current Mizzou students, faculty and staff. Whether starting your research on Google Scholar, a publisher’s site, or anywhere else online, Lean Library helps you seamlessly connect to library resources when you’re off campus or not on Tiger WiFi.
Here’s how it works:
- Automatically checks if Mizzou Libraries has access to the article or book you’re viewing.
- Provides direct links to full-text content when available.
- Prompts you to log in using MU’s Single Sign-On (SSO)—just like email or Canvas.
4 simple steps to get started
Step 1: Go to Lean Library Extension
Step 2: Install the extension
Step 3: Select the University of Missouri, Columbia
Step 4: Search for articles and journals, and enjoy quick access to all library resources
Need something we don’t have?
Lean Library makes it easy to request articles and books through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service—at no cost to you.
Book Recommendations From Your Mizzou Librarians
National Library Week is April 19th-25th, but we are always celebrating library joy.
In this list you will find books about:
- Libraries
- Librarians
- frankly, just books recommended by Mizzou librarians that may have nothing to do with libraries
You can see the list at this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-V7mG7q-pgQSat8yw8Zhy-meX14LTtLY33tOLEuQSHU/edit?sp=sharing
Peer Navigator Corner: Campus Third Places
Written by: Isabella Bickhaus
At the beginning of every new semester, working as a Peer Navigator in Ellis brings some of my favorite questions to the desk. Recently, I interacted with a student who wanted advice on where to spend their time between classes. This question of where to pass time on campus applies to both new and returning students. Mizzou’s campus is large, and not all academic buildings have seating outside of classrooms. This question reminded me of one reason I enjoy spending time in the Libraries on campus; they’re third places I know I can exist without any expectations. Access to resources, like printers and phone chargers, is also a major bonus.
What is a “third place”? The term was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, referring to spaces in our communities outside of homes (first places) and work (second places). Oldenburg considered third places as “a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.”
Along with the bustling Student Center, the iconic Columns (weather permitting), and Stankowski Field, the Libraries are popular third places on campus. From the outside, Ellis Library is an impressive building, and libraries can be stereotyped as silent, serious spaces, which can be intimidating. However, Ellis exists to serve students, faculty, and the community as a place to gather and interact. Beyond scheduled events, like BYOB Book Club or Calming Crafternoons, Ellis is a space where students can meet up for coffee in the Bookmark Cafe or heat up food in the microwaves on the ground floor. If I am stuck on campus with a dying phone or laptop, I know I can check out a charger from Ellis. Of course, Ellis provides a multitude of study spaces. From the silent, grand reading room to the collaborative tables on the first floor, there is a place for everyone at Ellis.
New! A Sensory Room in Ellis Library!
Ellis Library Study Room 2E21 has been redesigned to incorporate sensory & well-being features! Located on the second floor, just east of the reading room, the room now contains acoustic panels to reduce noise, a faux plant for a natural feel, a dimmable color-changing lamp, and a ball chair and mat for flexible seating. All students can reserve and use the room for sensory needs, studying, or relaxation.
Sensory rooms are spaces designed with calming or stimulating features—such as lights, sounds, textures, and interactive items—to support relaxation, focus, and sensory regulation. These rooms are often used to reduce stress, improve focus and are especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed or need help staying engaged.
In addition to the space, sensory kits and items are now available to borrow at the North Service Desk. Sensory items can be tools, toys, or materials designed to stimulate or calm one or more senses. They’re often used for sensory regulation, focus, stress relief, or therapeutic purposes. They can be useful for people with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing needs, but they’re helpful for anyone. Items available include: yoga mats with poses, a meditation cushion, noise-dampening ear muffs, a SAD lamp, a weighted lap blanket, and a white noise machine. The available sensory kits are: fidgets, self-soothing items, mindfulness & meditation and self-care.
For pictures and more information, see the Sensory & Wellbeing in the Library LibGuide.