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.

For more information, visit our Lean Library guide.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.