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Need research help? Working on a paper or project? You can ask a librarian for help using our chat service– almost 24 hours a day.
During the day you can chat with Mizzou librarians and library staff. At night, we offer access to a chat reference service called ChatStaff. They will be able to answer most research questions, except for some that are Mizzou-specific.
To access the chat service and see what hours chat reference is available, visit libraryanswers.missouri.edu.
For historian Brendon G. Floyd, Ph.D., access to Mizzou Libraries’ digital collections has transformed the way he researches the Atlantic world, opening new avenues for scholarship while bringing rare historical records directly to his desktop.
A University of Missouri DPAA Research Partner Fellow affiliated with the History Department and the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, Floyd studies the United Irishmen who participated in Ireland’s 1798 rebellion and were later imprisoned, forcibly conscripted into the British military, and dispersed throughout the Atlantic world. His work explores the human impact of state power through imprisonment, forced migration, and military service during a period of revolution and empire between 1776 and 1820.
Central to Floyd’s current and future research is the Colonial Caribbean Collection. This digital archive, which provides online access to colonial office files from the United Kingdom National Archives, covers the history of the various territories under British colonial governance from 1624 to 1870.
“My first book follows these Irish prisoners out of Ireland and through spaces of confinement and transit, including internment camps, prison ships, naval vessels, and troop transports,” Floyd said. “My second book picks up where the first ends, following these conscripted rebels into the Caribbean, where many were forced to serve for life in the British Army.”
The Colonial Caribbean Collection has made that work far more accessible.
“Rather than trying to arrange repeated trips to The National Archives in England, I have been able to download thousands of documents and work through them carefully over time,” Floyd said. “That kind of access has changed what is possible for both projects.”
The collection has also led Floyd to new research questions and discoveries. Among them is a project focused on Jean Kina, an enslaved man from Saint-Domingue who served with British forces during the Haitian Revolution, rose to the rank of colonel, and later led a mutiny in Martinique after attempts were made to re-enslave him and others serving under British rule. Floyd has also uncovered materials related to piracy in the Caribbean during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, expanding the scope of his future scholarship.
Beyond supporting research, the collection enhances student learning. Floyd regularly incorporates primary source materials into classroom projects, giving students opportunities to engage directly with historical evidence and develop hands-on research skills.
Floyd credits Mizzou Libraries faculty and staff with making collections more accessible and helping researchers uncover new possibilities. He highlighted his collaboration with Rachel Brekhus on the Haskell Monroe Project, which focused on digitizing and organizing historical materials for research and teaching.
When asked what advice he would offer other researchers, Floyd’s answer was simple: connect with librarians and explore the library’s digital resources.
“Libraries have a deep bench of expertise, and a short conversation with a librarian can lead you to sources, collections, or search strategies you would not have found on your own,” he said.
Floyd also emphasized the often-unseen work performed by library employees.
“Researchers regularly rely on these collections and services without fully acknowledging how much labor goes into acquiring, organizing, digitizing, and maintaining them,” he said. “Much of that work happens quietly, but it makes our research and teaching possible.”
Through resources like the Colonial Caribbean Collection, Mizzou Libraries continues to support innovative scholarship, expand access to unique historical materials, and help researchers and students make discoveries that advance knowledge and learning.
Written by: Lottie Say
One of my favorite parts of freshman year at Mizzou was exploring Ellis. I recall wandering around The Grand Reading Room and coming across the many statues; I took pictures of them like a tourist. Little did I know these casts held more significance than artistic decor – they are a visible reminder of our university’s long-standing history and commitment to the humanities. These figures are actually precise plaster casts of some of the most famous sculptures in human history. The collection was assembled when 19th and early 20th century students studying ancient Greek and Roman culture in the Midwest were learning about plaster reproductions of famous sculptures. The educator in charge of this awesome, hands-on lesson plan was Professor John Pickard, who was also the first chairman of the Department of Art History and Archeology and creator of the Museum of Art and Archeology in Ellis Library. Pickard was able to travel to Europe in 1895 and 1902 with the mission of bringing the plaster casts home to Missouri. Pickard passed away in 1937, but his legacy lives on through these casts and fellowships named in his honor.
To truly appreciate that legacy, we must look closer at the plaster itself. These casts are some of the few surviving collections of its type – many were destroyed after World War II and modern museums don’t allow castings any longer since the process can damage the original sculpture. Plaster casts are important in preserving fragile or lost sculptures, the original marble statues of the casts were made over 1000 years ago and have suffered decay since then. Mizzou’s plaster versions are able to maintain crisp details of these figures that have since worn away. Some of the detail can be seen through the thin lines while studying the casts closely, these are called “seam lines” from different multi-piece molds used when crafting the sculpture. Upon first look, these pieces seem heavy and stationary, but the cases are actually incredibly fragile! When moved across campus, multiple people wear gloves to avoid oil transfer along with foam padded carts to prevent breakage. Touching a piece of history would surely be a rush, but similar to the average museum, these pieces must stay as a legacy of ancient art which of course means… no touching!
In the spirit of college rivalry, Mizzou has had more casts on display than KU for almost two centuries! These casts connect us to the first students of MU, linking our late night study sessions to theirs. Next time you are enjoying the peace in The Grand Reading Room, wander over to its neighbor and observe the stunning casts in room 202!
Mizzou Libraries is pleased to provide access to the Social History Archive.
The Social History Archive provides full text of over 2,800 British and Irish newspapers , spanning 1699 to 2014, plus 2,900+ primary sources (vital records, maps & surveys, church, military, hospital, labor & travel records and more), from the 13th century to 2025 across several countries.
If you have questions about the database or how to use it, contact your librarian at ask@missouri.libanswers.com.
Join us for Calming Crafternoons at Mizzou Libraries! This series of events features easy and creative crafts. Take a break from studying and enjoy some stress relief while crafting.
Find all Mizzou Libraries’ events on Engage – search library.
Fall 2026 Events
Calming Crafternoons: Diamond Painting
Date: 9/17
Location: Ellis Library Main Floor 1:30 – 4:30pm
Description: Get ready to turn your fridge into a sparkling art gallery! Join us for a laid-back Calming Crafternoon for Diamond Painting Fridge Magnets. Whether you’re a seasoned diamond artist or just love shiny things, this event is all about relaxing, chatting, and creating something delightfully tacky—or genuinely chic—for your kitchen. All supplies are included. Everyone is welcome!
Calming Crafternoons: Spooky Crochet Critters
Date: 10/7
Location: Ellis Library Main Floor 1:30 – 4:30pm
Description: Get ready to get your cozy craft on! Whether you’re a complete beginner who has never held a hook or a seasoned yarn enthusiast, come spend a fun, laid-back afternoon bringing a spooky-cute companion to life. You get to pick your path: crochet a giggle-worthy ghost, a friendly little spider, or a plump pumpkin! All supplies are included. Everyone is welcome!
Calming Crafternoon: Tassel & Beaded Garland/Keychain
Date: 11/5
Location: Ellis Library Main Floor 1:30 – 4:30pm
Description: Get ready to string together some serious style! Join us for a fun, fabulous, and totally tactile workshop where we’re turning colorful yarn, wooden beads, and vibrant accents into gorgeous Tassel & Beaded Garland and Beaded Keychains. All supplies are included. Everyone is welcome!
Calming Crafternoons: Gnomes and Pom-Pom Otters
Date: 12/2
Location: Ellis Library Main Floor 1:30 – 4:30pm
Description: Get ready for the ultimate showdown of cozy, whimsical crafting! Whether you’re team mystical garden creature or team fluffy aquatic cutie, this crafternoon is double the fun! Come spend a relaxing session crafting your choice of a bearded Gnome or a fuzzy Pom-Pom Otter (or stay double-focused and make both!). All supplies are included. Everyone is welcome!
Why Ellis Should be Your 3rd Space
Written By: Emilee Dillon
Lately, a popular topic of conversation specifically on social media has been the lack of “3rd spaces” for young and emerging adults. There is a distinct lack of places to socialize or relax – a place that isn’t just home or school, somewhere everyone can just go to exist without pressure.
I believe many students are unaware that we have the perfect third space for us right on campus, at Ellis Library. While it is easy to think of Ellis simply as a study spot it has so much more to offer. The Bookmark Cafe located on the ground floor is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a snack, sit down with friends, and have a break. Annalise and Isabella, two of the hosts from our peer navigator student podcast, Between the Stacks, actually talk about how great of a third space the Bookmark Cafe creates. It’s the little things, like microwaves available for all students to use to make meal times or heating something up with friends convenient.
Ellis is also a great place for readers, not only reading for assignments but enjoyment as well. The Libraries have access to many books that are not strictly academic and is an excellent place to cozy up with a good book. When you first walk up the stairs from the cafe, the well-being collection is directly in front of you, with a shelf full of fiction, books on cooking and crafting, and more. Ellis Library also hosts a BYOBook Club so you can connect with others that have similar interests while still having the freedom to read something you personally choose and will enjoy. Events like this are highlighted on the libraries homepage, but be sure to look up this and others by searching for the libraries on MU Engage!
Beyond the quiet areas of the library there are more relaxed areas where you can walk around, talk and explore Ellis with your friends, maybe even getting lost in the stacks. Not every corner of the library is designed to be silent, and it is actually a perfect space to socialize in some areas!
Ellis library also hosts occasional free events such as the calming crafternoons, which are often overlooked. These events can be a great way to meet new people, try something new, or just give you something to do for free!
Although it may feel like third spaces are disappearing, I believe we may need to just look at it from a different angle, and reimagine this beautiful building our campus has given us. I recommend using Ellis to your full potential and allowing Ellis to be a place you can connect, relax, and build your community.
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.
Calming Crafternoon with the Women’s Center
Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Take a calming moment and craft a self-care punch card.
Wellbeing with the Student Health & Wellbeing
Thursday, September 17, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Learn about the resources available to you through Student Health & Wellbeing.
Student Success Skills
Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Learn more about the Sage Student Success Skills and resources to help you improve your wellbeing while you’re a student.
Sensory Kits
Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Test out our new sensory kits for checkout.
Museum of Art and Archeology
Thursday, October 8, 2026 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.
Subject Librarians
Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 11a -2p
Did you know every department on campus has a subject librarian? Learn more about how they can support you and your academic success.
Reading for Fun at Mizzou Libraries
Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Learn how you can sign up for a Columbia Public Library card and other ways to request the books you want to read.
Wellbeing and the Specialized Libraries
Thursday, October 29, 2026 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.
TBD
Thursday, November 5, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Special Collections
Thursday, November 12, 2025 from 11a -2p in Ellis Library Colonnade
Take a look at items from our Special Collections vault.
Museum of Anthropology
Thursday, November 19, 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.
Mizzou Libraries invites the campus community (students, staff, and faculty) to join our inaugural campus-wide Reading Challenge! This challenge runs from September 2026 to April 2027.
Read (or listen to) a book each month based on that month’s theme, tell us about it, and be entered into win one of our monthly prizes. Complete all 8 months to be entered in to the grand prize drawing.
Select this link to learn more about the Mizzou Libraries Reading Challenge: https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/readingchallenge
University of Missouri students, faculty and researchers now have access to ProQuest TDM Studio, a platform that simplifies text and data mining and helps users uncover patterns, trends and insights across large collections of content. The platform provides powerful tools for computational research while making text and data mining accessible to users with diverse technical backgrounds.
Mizzou Libraries has secured a three-year subscription to TDM Studio through July 2029, with the possibility of renewal based on usage and available funding.
TDM Studio allows researchers to mine content from several ProQuest resources already available through Mizzou Libraries, including ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, U.S. Newsstream, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, ProQuest Historical Black Newspapers, and Vogue. The service does not include Factiva. The platform also enables researchers to work with large datasets and discover new relationships across scholarly, news and historical content.
Researchers can get started immediately with TDM Studio’s Visualization Dashboard, which requires no coding experience and offers an easy entry point to explore large collections of text. Users seeking more advanced analysis can use the platform’s Python-based Workbench, which includes sample projects and guided walkthroughs for beginners, as well as more sophisticated research workflows for experienced users.
In addition to supporting research, TDM Studio can be used in teaching and learning environments to help students develop data literacy and digital scholarship skills.
To learn how to create an account and begin exploring TDM Studio, visit the TDM Studio Library Guide. Researchers and students can also participate in a series of fall workshops, including a monthly Introduction to TDM Studio session designed to help new users get started.
Scarlett Jones (BA in English, 2026) spent the Spring 2026 semester as an intern in Special Collections, where for her final project she curated a digital exhibit titled WWII Comic Arts and Propaganda. In this exhibit, Scarlett researched the University of Missouri Library’s vast collection of comic arts to explore how comics, as a popular means of mass media, served as a way to promote the war effort to American audiences wary of explicit propaganda efforts. As Scarlett explains in her exhibit introduction, “Rising quickly through the ranks of popular media, cartoons and comic books provided the perfect platform to promote pro-American rhetoric to the public under the guise of entertainment.” Comics by artists such as Theodore Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), John T. McCutcheon, Bill Mauldin, Milton Caniff, and others are featured prominently in the Special Collections holdings selected for the exhibit. The exhibit also features the emergence of Marvel superheroes Captain America, The Invaders, and Sgt. Fury, as well as graphic memoirs on the experiences of those who lived through the Second World War.
Check out the exhibit, WWII Comic Arts and Propaganda, following the link!