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The Mizzou Libraries will have reduced hours during Spring Break. For a complete listing of all library hours, visit http://library.missouri.edu/hours/.
Ellis Library: Spring Break
March 26 (Sat) 10am to 2pm
March 27 (Sun) Closed
March 28–April 1 (Mon–Thu) 7:30am to 7pm
April 2 (Fri) 7:30am to 5pm
April 3 (Sat) 10am to 2pm
April 4 (Sun) Resume regular hours – Noon to Midnight
Marie Concannon, head of government information and data archives for MU Libraries, was chosen for two awards by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Concannon was selected as the 2022 recipient of the RUSA History Section’s Genealogy/History Achievement Award, sponsored by ProQuest for her creation, research and management of the Prices and Wages by Decade library guide as well as her service to the library community and ALA. The award consists of a citation and a monetary award to a librarian, library or publisher, in recognition of professional achievement in historical or genealogical reference, service, or research librarianship.
In addition, she received the RUSA Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Services Award for outstanding achievement in creating the Prices and Wages by Decade library guide, and for supporting a more informed citizenry by making economic history more easily accessible to all.
The Prices and Wages guide, which helps researchers locate primary sources showing historic retail prices and average wages, links mainly to government reports, but also includes catalogs and newspapers when relevant. The research guide has found fans across campus, the state, and the world since Marie Concannon, Head of Government Information, created it in 2012.
Esteemed research scientist Jay Zagorsky, who collects data for the National Longitudinal Surveys of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is one of the latest scholars to use the detailed lists of resources for prices and wages throughout the history of the U.S. Zagorsky investigated how prices at high end restaurants have changed since 1899 using menus found via the guide.
Jeannette Pierce, associate university librarian for research, access, and instructional services, stated, “We are very excited to see that Marie’s hard work on this guide is being recognized. Marie’s expertise in the area of government information combined with her commitment to providing excellent service to library users makes her the perfect person to receive these awards.”
This guest post is written by Dr. Jennifer O’Connor, Associate Teaching Professor and Dr. Becky Largent, Assistant Teaching Professor at the Sinclair School of Nursing.
What do you do with 60+ brand new doctoral students to get them on the right track as they begin their research? Talk to your librarian, of course.
Navigating MU’s Health Sciences Library resources can be overwhelming for new students, particularly those in distance mediated programs, such as nursing. As a part of a week-long intensive orientation, Rebecca Graves, our Health Sciences librarian, provides a two-hour workshop each summer to prepare nursing PhD and Doctor of Nursing Practice students for several years of research activities.
This two-hour workshop focuses on how to perform database searches and use reference management tools. In an interactive process, Rebecca guides our students through the search process with special emphasis on specific search techniques and strategies for ongoing organization of research materials. She has also made herself available to assist faculty whenever we have called. Rebecca has been willing to share her knowledge with students whenever needed, be it in the summer for a large group of doctoral students, via Zoom or in person, or in a variety of one-on-one meetings.
Even through the pandemic, she continued to be a valuable resource for those students who were unexpectedly at a distance though individual and group Zoom meetings. As faculty, we count on Rebecca to help lay the foundation necessary for students to understand and implement evidence-based practice strategies. A Review of the Literature is one of the first major assignments in a doctoral program and can be a daunting undertaking—our health science librarian shows the students the path where all they see are tall weeds. “It’s like magic!” one student notes.
Rebecca’s interactive style and health sciences knowledge is the blend students need to feel comfortable seeking support from Rebecca while knowing the guidance she is providing is accurate and usable. Many doctoral students have been away from academia for some time. The research and writing components of a doctoral program are typically the most intimidating aspects of seeking a terminal degree. Rebecca breaks down these very daunting aspects of doctoral education and makes them feel manageable and accomplishable.
Cycle of Success is the idea that libraries, faculty, and students are linked; for one to truly succeed, we must all succeed. The path to success is formed by the connections between University of Missouri Libraries and faculty members, between faculty members and students, and between students and the libraries that serve them. More than just success, this is also a connection of mutual respect, support, and commitment to forward-thinking research.
If you would like to submit your own success story about how the libraries have helped your research and/or work, please use the Cycle of Success form.
This semester, the Research and Information Services Division of Ellis Library is fortunate to have undergraduate students providing assistance at the “Ask Here” desk in the colonnade on the first floor of Ellis Sundays-Thursdays. Their purpose is to create a more accessible environment for students to ask questions. They will be giving directions, making referrals, and helping with behind-the-scenes projects. We are so excited to welcome them to the library!
Originally written by Danielle Gorman in Spring 2021
From Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, how many books do you know that barely pass the Bechdel-Wallace Test? The Bechdel-Wallace Test is a measurement used to determine the representation of women in media. There are only three requirements needed for a piece of media to pass this test. It must have at least two female characters, they must both have names, and they must talk to each other about something other than a man. While that may seem easy enough, some of the most popular pieces of media are still struggling to pass the test. This month, for Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some books that not just pass the Bechdel-Wallace Test but surpass the three requirements and focus on strong female-led stories by fantastic female authors! You can find these reads available at Mizzou libraries or request through our website.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
If you are looking for a classic read to celebrate Women’s History Month, then Little Women is the perfect choice for you. This story follows four sisters—Meg, Amy, Beth, and Jo March— as they come of age during the Civil War. The timeless novel tackles themes such as first love, friendship, grief, and the bond of family; any reader can find themselves hidden inside these pages and characters. Perfect for any age, you’ll leave this story feeling heart-warmed and emotionally invested in this lively story.
Circe by Madeline Miller
This bestselling novel takes one of the most infamous Greek figures and turns her story on its head, leaving the reader routing for a newfound hero. Perfect for those interested in mythology and action-packed novels, Madeline Miller weaves a hypnotic and captivating story filled with beautiful language and characters. Circe will leave you attached to Miller’s mastery of storytelling and entranced by the power of a well-written female lead.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
If you haven’t yet gotten the chance to read this highly praised novel, this month is an excellent time to grab it from one of our libraries! The Handmaid’s Tale is an unforgettable, must-read novel that is great for readers looking for a heartbreaking yet eye-opening story. Set in dystopian America, this story follows Offred’s perspective, one of the women forced into the role of a “Handmaid”; women used to help reproduce children for the Republic of Gilead. Atwood’s writing is captivating and devastating. She perfectly crafts a page-turning story that leaves the reader searching for answers on every single page.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The first novel in the four-part series, The Neapolitan Novels, My Brilliant Friend, tells the heartbreaking yet touching story of two young girls growing up in Naples in the 1950s. Elena Ferrante is a master at her craft, perfectly capturing the story of two best friends who come-of-age during a time where it feels like everything around them is falling apart. This novel leaves you aching for these characters’ struggles and places you directly onto the page with them. It is a must-read for those looking for a novel with strong friendships and characters that stick with you long after you close the book.
Sula by Toni Morrison
In this brilliant novel, Toni Morrison beautifully captures the female experience inside of a short 200-pages. We follow the story of Sula and Nel, two childhood best friends who grow apart in adulthood due to an unforgivable betrayal. This novel shows the unbreakable bond that can last between two women through all the good and bad experiences of life. Sula is a tragic and sometimes upsetting novel that is told with both love and bitterness. Morrison mixes all the messy emotions of life and creates a stunning story that leaves the reader comforted and wounded by its impact. This novel is truly a must-read piece of literature!
Finding the perfect study spot can be difficult in Ellis Library. Some days you need quiet and other days you want to be alone. In order to make finding these spaces easier, we’ve created some sensory maps.
These color coded maps show where in Ellis Library you can find quiet space, uncrowded spaces, and spaces with natural light.
You can access the maps here or you can find them under maps and floorplans on the main library website.
MU Libraries is pleased to provide access to Times Literary Supplement Historical Archive 1902-2014
Since 1902, the Times Literary Supplement has provided a platform for an ever-expanding range of international thinkers, writers, and critics. This historical archive facilitates the study of the development of ideas and perspectives and identifies previously anonymous authors.
If you have questions about the database or how to use it, contact your librarian at ask@missouri.libanswers.com.
MU Libraries is pleased to provide access to British Literary Manuscripts Online.
British Literary Manuscripts Online provides facsimile images of literary manuscripts, letters, diaries, drafts of poems, plays, novels, and other literary works. Images of the complete manuscript can be viewed, manipulated and navigated on screen, but text of the manuscripts themselves is not searchable. We have access to both parts: Medieval and Renaissance, and c. 1660-1900. This site also provides links to related resources, including paleography courses, images, maps, bibliographies, and digital scholarship.
If you have questions about the database or how to use it, contact your librarian at ask@missouri.libanswers.com.
This summer, we plan to feature a selection of books by MU faculty in our Ellis Library colonnade display cases. This exhibit would be up from May to August, a time when many campus visitors come through the colonnade. Interested faculty would be asked to provide:
1) A copy of the book with dust jacket;
2) A personal statement including biographical info and some words about the book (1-2 paragraphs);
3) A photograph of oneself; and
4) If possible, a 3-dimensional object that represents some concept in the book.
If you have questions and/or like to be included, please contact Marie Concannon, Ellis Library Exhibits Coordinator at concannonm@missouri.edu.
February 22, 2022
3 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join us as SHSMO Art Curator Joan Stack explores the exhibition Black Health and Wellness: A Selection of Historical Images which is on display in the colonnade cases of Ellis Library from February 14 to May 23, 2022.
Stack will examine exhibition artworks and photographs, detailing how these works expose the difficulties and achievements African Americans experienced related to healthcare and wellness throughout the 20th century. Stack’s illustrated presentation includes analysis of editorial cartoons by Missouri artists Daniel Fitzpatrick and Tom Engelhardt, as well as photographs by renowned Missouri photojournalist Arthur Whitman. Online and free, registration required.
Presented by the MU Libraries and the State Historical Society of Missouri.