Research Smarter With Lean Library

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—even 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.


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.

Getting started is easy:
Download the Lean Library extension, select the University of Missouri, Columbia, and start accessing library content wherever your research takes you.

For more information, visit our Lean Library guide.

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, Gateway Carousel HSL, 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 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 Check Us Out! Thursdays at Ellis Library

Check Us Out! Thursdays at Ellis Library

Participants can visit us each week and enter for a chance to win a guaranteed study room during Finals Week! The more you visit each week, the more entries* you’ll have.

*Want more chances to enter? Visit each specialized library and find the check us out logo to enter.

Special Collections
Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Take a look at items from our Special Collections vault.

Wellbeing Collection
Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Learn about our newest collection: the Wellbeing Collection.  This collection features new books for students, faculty and staff who want to focus on their mental health or just need a break from the stress of everyday life.

Archives
Thursday, September 25, 2024 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Take a look at past Mizzou Homecoming items just in time for the 2025 homecoming game!

Museum of Anthropology
Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Take a look at archaeological collections comprise of artifacts dating from 2.6 million years ago to modern times from Missouri’s only anthropology museum.

Digital Media and Innovation Lab
Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Test out our VR googles, 3D scanner and our digital art station.

Columbia Public Library Book Bike and the State Historical Society
Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 11a -2p

  • Columbia Public Library Book Bike at the Ellis Library West Entrance
    Visit the public library’s book bike and sign up for a library card
  • State Historical Society in Ellis Library Colonnade
    Visit to learn more about how the State History Society of Missouri collects stories from the past and the present to ensure Missouri’s history is preserved and shared

Mizzou Specialized Libraries
Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Did you know there are 6 other libraries on campus? Visit us to learn more about these specialized libraries.

Museum of Art and Archeology
Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Come and learn about Mizzou’s Museum of Art and Archeology, located on the ground floor of Ellis Library.

WeMake Deisgn & Learn Lab
Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Come learn about WeMake Design & Learn Lab. The lab is available to all MU Students.

Budds Music Center
Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Learn more about the Budds Music Center and how they serve Mizzou students and the community.

Department of Entomology
Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Take a look at some bugs the Department of Entomology has in their collection.

 

TAGS:

Taira Meadowcroft

Taira Meadowcroft is the Public Health and Community Engagement Librarian at the Health Sciences Library at the University of Missouri.

home Cycle of Success Welcome to Jennifer Brady

Welcome to Jennifer Brady

The Mizzou Libraries are pleased to welcome Jennifer Brady as head of the Zalk Veterinary Medical Library.

Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Jennifer brings a deep passion for education, literacy and community service. She holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration and Instructional Design from Lindenwood University. Her dissertation, “Embedded Librarians and Student Success in Graduate Nursing Programs,” reflects her commitment to student achievement and academic support.

She also holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington iSchool and a B.S.E.d. in Secondary English Education from Missouri State University.

Jennifer has worked in both public and academic libraries since 2014, but her love of libraries began even earlier. As a high school student, she launched her first library as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project—a GED study center and library housed in the Missouri Hotel, a homeless shelter in Springfield. This project served the community for several years until the facility’s closure.

We are thrilled to have Jennifer. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

home Databases & Electronic Resources New Database: Mergent Market Atlas

New Database: Mergent Market Atlas

Mergent Market Atlas replaces Mergent Online as your first destination for global public company information and research. The interface is updated and much easier to use, while still providing in-depth information about public companies, industries, countries, and more.

Use Market Atlas to search for public companies based on name, location, industry, or fundamental data factors, then refine your report output and drill into companies for further research. Additional company search features allow you to explore sustainability, SEC filings, annual reports, independent research, and an extensive library of company reports.

Additional company content available:

  • FTSE Russell index total return data
  • Mergent economic time series data
  • Mergent industry reports
  • Dunn & Bradstreet Country Risk Profile and Country RiskLine reports.

If you have questions about the database or how to use it, contact your librarian at ask@missouri.libanswers.com.

TAGS:

Taira Meadowcroft

Taira Meadowcroft is the Public Health and Community Engagement Librarian at the Health Sciences Library at the University of Missouri.

home Cycle of Success Ashley Granger Receives Chancellor’s Staff Award

Ashley Granger Receives Chancellor’s Staff Award

Ashley Granger, a senior library specialist in cataloging and metadata at Ellis Library, received the 2025 Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Award in the Technical/Paraprofessional category.

Each year, the University of Missouri recognizes 12 Outstanding Staff Award recipients nominated by peers for their exemplary service and dedication to Mizzou and the University of Missouri System. These staff members reflect the best of the University community through their job performance, job-related personal qualities, relationships with associates, and commitment to Mizzou’s mission and values. The awards are a highlight of the Staff Advisory Council’s Staff Recognition Week.

Congratulations to Ashley!