home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Research Resources

Peer Navigator Corner: Research Resources

Written by: Jariyatu Abdul Rashid

The Mizzou Libraries are not just a place to borrow books; they’re a hub for research support. Sure, it has quiet study spaces and shelves stacked with books, but behind all of that is a network of resources designed to make your academic life easier. The library has tools to help with doing assignments, preparing for a presentation, or working on projects. Most of us take some courses that involve lots of writing, at least once, before graduation. And let’s be honest, writing usually comes with research. Even if you’re not in an English class, plenty of courses require some form of research, whether it’s a lab report, a case study, or a group project. Fortunately, the library has exactly what we need; research resources, knowledgeable librarians, and materials that go far beyond what you can find on your own. 

Databases: Here’s the thing, Google is fine for quick answers, but when you need credible, peer-reviewed sources, the libraries have your back. Through the Find a Database page, you can access collections that cover every subject imaginable.

Some of the most popular ones include JSTOR, great for humanities and social sciences, PubMed, perfect for health sciences and biology, PsycINFO, a must for psychology majors, and Business Source Complete for business, marketing, and economics.

Normally, these databases and articles are locked behind expensive paywalls, but as a Mizzou student, you get them for free. That’s a huge deal when you’re trying to impress your professor with solid sources. For example, instead of citing a random blog post, you can pull a peer-reviewed article from JSTOR or PubMed that gives your paper credibility. Also, in many classes, using peer-reviewed resources is required for research.

Research Guides: If you’ve ever felt lost about where to even start, the libraries also have Research Guides created by subject librarians. Think of them as roadmaps for your major. Instead of digging through endless options for resources, the guides point you straight to the best ones for your field. For example: Political Science majors can find guides for government and policy research. Biology students can access resources for lab studies and medical research, and Business students can dive into market data, company reports, and industry trends. It’s like having a librarian whispering, “Here’s where to look first.” These guides can save hours of wasted time and frustration. Personally, I wish I had known about them earlier. My first research paper would have been a lot less stressful if I had followed a guide instead of clicking through random websites.

Here’s another thing I wish I knew earlier: you can schedule a research consultation with a librarian. Yep, a real person will sit down with you (in person or online) and help you brainstorm keywords, find sources, and even figure out if your sources are reliable.

It’s basically like having a research coach, and it can save you hours of frustration. Imagine spending three hours searching for articles on your own, only to come up empty-handed. A librarian can often point you to the right database or search term in minutes. They’ve seen it all before, and they know the shortcuts.

Citations: Citations are the part of research papers that nobody enjoys. Formatting in MLA, APA, or Chicago style can feel like learning a new language. Luckily, the libraries offer workshops on tools like Zotero which organize your sources and automatically generate citations. Imagine finishing your paper and having your bibliography done in seconds- it’s a total game-changer. The organization also means if you’re working on a big project or even a thesis, you won’t lose track of where your information came from.

Here’s the truth: The libraries aren’t  just a place to cram before finals or to grab coffee at Bookmark Café. They’re a resource that can make your life as a student so much easier. Instead of panicking over where to find credible sources, you can use the libraries’ tools and people to get ahead. The next time you’re staring at a blank Word document, don’t just rely on Google. Check out Ellis Library’s Research Help page, explore a subject guide, or book a consultation. Not only will your research be stronger, but you’ll also save yourself a lot of stress.

home Gateway Carousel, Special Collections and Archives Peer Navigator Corner: Special Collections & Archives

Peer Navigator Corner: Special Collections & Archives

Written by: Allison Boedges

In the hushed, less-crowded upper levels of the library you can find quiet stacks of books, unclaimed study rooms, cozy reading nooks, and, in the west tower of the 4th floor, a very special collection of old, rare, and precious books and materials. Hardworking librarians collect, curate, and carefully maintain a vast collection of books, maps, diaries, and original prints. Formats include graphic novels, parchment, papyrus, and cuneiform tablets dating back hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of years. All of these materials are available for students and provide perfect resources for any class work, research projects, or independent study – especially for any projects needing primary resources.

How can I use these resources?

Special Collections can be accessed via appointment by anyone, regardless of student status. Simply navigate to the Special Collections and Archives homepage (https://library.missouri.edu/specialcollections/), and once there you can choose to create an appointment with either Special Collections or the Archives. Please note the hours of availability and read the instructions provided to allow for the best possible experience for both you and the staff. Special Collections alone has over 200,000 items, many of which are rare, unique, and valuable. While some are stored in Ellis Library, other materials are off site in climate controlled settings. When making your appointment, it is recommended to book 3 days in advance to allow for the materials you need for your research to be pulled from storage and brought to the Special Collections Reading Room.

Which location should you choose?

Special Collections and the University Archives differ in terms of content. The Archives are the official location of all the University of Missouri records, manuscripts, and papers. This includes photos from student organizations, collections of publications from certain professors, details about students and curriculum, and even things like posters from past University Concert Series (like this one from 1989-90). The purpose of University Archives is to store and preserve all of these very important records, while making them available and easily accessible. Special Collections on the other hand, is the University’s extensive collection of rare and old text, art (like the pictured meander book), maps, and artifacts – materials that are incredibly valuable but generally have little to do with the University itself.

Whether you are doing research, working on class assignments, or fulfilling a personal interest, the Special Collections and Archives have something for you. Make an appointment and get started on your next essay or your passion project with the Missouri Libraries Special Collections.

 

 

home Ellis Library, Gateway Carousel, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Finding a Book

Peer Navigator Corner: Finding a Book

Written by: Libby Gremaud

Have you ever needed a book in the library but couldn’t understand what the random numbers and letters in the call number meant? Have you ever gotten lost in the stacks while looking for a book? The call numbers can be confusing for someone who isn’t familiar with them, but once you learn how it works, you can find any book you want in the library! 

The library uses a few different systems of call numbers. If it begins with a letter, it is a Library of Congress call number, which is the main system used in academic libraries. These organize the books into subjects, with each grouping of numbers representing a more specialized topic. For example, the letter J is for Political Science books. The second letter represents an even more specific topic. In particular, JC is the subcategory of political theory under the broader category of J for political science. What is convenient about this system is that similar topics will be located next to each other in the library. 

A few collections in Mizzou Libraries use a different system like the Dewey Decimal system, which are all number codes.

To figure out where the book you’re looking for is, first see whether it uses the Library of Congress system or the Dewey decimal system. The Library of Congress sorts its books alphabetically, so the letters that appear at the front are going to be important for finding where the book would be located. This list guides you to where in the stacks they are located: 

After going to the floor where your book is located, look at the signs on the ends of the stacks to figure out which aisle your book is in. The books are sorted by ascending number order which comes after the letters in the call number- make sure you read each number as a whole number. 300 versus 3000 would be decently far apart in the stacks. Those numbers will be printed on the spines of the books, so once you have the right aisle, go down the row and read the spines. When you’ve found the correct number, down to the last digit, there’s your book! 

If your book uses the Dewey Decimal system, there’s only a few places in the library where it might be. For the most part, books with these numbers are in 4 East or the Depository. The Depository is where all of the overflow books are located, which is off campus and doesn’t have public access. In order to retrieve a book from the Depository you have to request it and it will be sent to the library for you to pick up. If the call number for your book is 353.8, that means it will go to the Government Documents section of the library, which is located in 1 East.

While finding a book may seem difficult, once you figure out how the call numbers work, you’re good to go! Of course, if you ever need help finding your book, feel free to visit the Peer Navigator desk on the first floor or ask for help through the Libraries Chat. For more information on how to find a book, visit the Locate a Book Using its Call Number: How to Find a Book page on the library website. 

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis Library – An Architectural Perspective

Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis Library – An Architectural Perspective

Written by: Ahmad Bahir Sherzad

As an architecture student learning about the importance of how principles of architecture affect people’s mood in a space, I wanted to touch on it as a new peer navigator who has walked Ellis Library more times than I can count. In understanding architectural principles and elements, we can have a better understanding of the purpose of different sections of Ellis Library before visiting. In this post, I’ll share a closer look at two of Ellis Library’s most popular study spots – the ground-floor atrium study space and the General Reading Room (201) on the second floor – and how their unique architecture might shape your study experience.

The ground-floor study area near the atrium stairs was added after the original 1915 construction and is now open 24/5. The space consists of a coffee shop-style seating around a small student-run cafe under a structure of stairs that lead to the first floor. When it comes to stratification by the architects of Ellis, the floor consists of many different styled seating options on simple marbled square tiling. It is also crowded with various maps and pieces for spectator viewing on display in booths built into the wall. The head of the space features low-hanging lights and a variety of ceiling heights. Near the doors, the ceilings are raised all the way until the top of the first floor, while under the stairs, of course, they are much lower. The atrium goes from a naturally lit entrance to a cozy, somber, and dark area under the stairs and around the small cafe. All these characteristics create a sense of movement, productivity, and openness to the space.

Diving into the movement, transition, hierarchy, and heart of the ground-floor study space, one can see there is a heavy amount of transitional energy. The main entry is from two sets of large glass doors that lead from the Speakers Circle into Ellis Library. Almost mall-like, the doors are purposely designed to coordinate safety and transition of a vast number of students exiting and entering the library, with one being designated exclusively as an entrance and the other as an exit. Most people enter from glass doors near a large information desk facing into the space all the way towards the back of the study area, where the cafe can be found tucked into the corner. Movement is random in the cafe area, but follows a strict order closer to the desk and openings. The hierarchy of the space is mostly overpowered by the large stairs that lead to the second floor and encompass most of the body of the space. The small coffee tables and booths are given secondary focus, while two large bar-style tables serve as the primary focus when it comes to seating. The space is hectic and loud compared to every other space in Ellis; at no time will you ever hear a pen drop. The cafe in the corner does not pull much of the attention of the space, but rather the heart of the space is the wood and glass-adorned stairs that can be seen from every angle of the atrium. The height of the ceilings upon entrance and the vastness of the stars instantly draw students’ attention and guide them through the space.

The Main Reading Room, originally called the General Reading Room, in Ellis Library at Mizzou was created in 1915 when the library was constructed. The Main Reading Room of Ellis Library is a massive, long, rectangular space defined by two parallel walls. It is organized around a central axis split long ways down the rectangle with rows of brown library tables perpendicular to the walls. When it comes to the stratification of the long linear space, the floor of the Main Reading Room has brown rectangular tables in four long columns filling the vast space, and is surrounded by book-lined walls. The table and chairs are worn by university students over time. As for the body of the room, tall arched windows on the north wall fill the space with natural light, and subtle brown metal molding disguised as wood and white paint cover the vast size of the walls. This stratum creates a feeling of awe and openness in the space. The head of the Main Reading Room features a large, curved ceiling with raised wave motifs and hanging rectangular lights. The curved ceiling immediately creates a sense of awe in any user and adds vastly to the space, honoring its name as the “main” reading room of Ellis Library. The raised ceiling creates a sense of contrast to other spaces in the library. All these create a sense of order, calm, and academic focus.

When it comes to the qualitative aspect of the Grand Reading Room in Ellis Library, the natural light from multiple vast arched windows creates both mood and visibility for students in the space. They allow warm natural light to fill every part of the room, creating a sense of awe and beauty. The light white walls and wood details suggest tradition and purpose. It is a semi-enclosed space within the larger library structure, with three entrances that bring you into a space that is eerily silent compared to the rest of the library, which is quite ironic. The main focus is on the grand windows on one side that define the spatial “heart” of the space. In terms of movement, transition, hierarchy, and heart of the Main Reading Room, the main entry is from the south side between two white columns with a capital on top of both. There is minimal movement in the space due to the silent atmosphere in the room. The movement, or so-called transition, follows the axis, down rows of tables, looking for open seats. The movement at times is also random and hectic across different axes as people look for spaces to inhabit and study, not too close to anyone else. When it comes to the hierarchy of the reading room, the large study tables are the primary focus, and a couple of lounge chairs at the west end are secondary. The heart of the room and even Ellis Library itself are the large windows that draw the eye instantly, define the user’s mood, and set the tone.

Whether you are looking for a more traditional and silent study area or an energizing space, Ellis Library offers both in its intentional designs. To learn more about the history and architecture of Ellis Library, I would highly encourage you to visit the following website, full of archives of Ellis construction photos and of many other study spaces on campus.

https://muarchives.missouri.edu/historic/buildings/ellis/

home Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: What’s New with Discover@MU

Peer Navigator Corner: What’s New with Discover@MU

Written by: Isabella Bickhaus

If you’ve used the Discover@MU search bar on the library’s home page before this semester, you might be surprised to find a new interface. Beyond the homepage, this interface change includes all databases sold by EBSCO, including favorites like PsycInfo and ERIC. 

One improved feature is the “Peer-Reviewed (Academic) Journals” filter, which is found underneath the search bar after an initial search. Although this was a feature on the old interface, it is now easier to find and apply for research projects that require peer-reviewed sources. Quick tip: if you apply this filter, it will apply to future searches until you turn it off. 

Along with a change in aesthetics, the new interface offers several new exciting features, like a concept map. To access this tool, make your initial search through the Discover@MU search bar and then you’ll find it on the left-hand side toolbar underneath “Research Tools.” This will take you to a new tab where you can view concepts related to your search in a grid or map format. This tool could be helpful brainstorming in the early stages of research for a project or paper, or to deepen your understanding of the context surrounding a specific topic. 

Another new component of this interface is the natural language search option. While searching the way you have in Google has always been a part of the Discovery layer, this AI tool expands on your search by looking for similar terms. Like the concept map, you will first have to make an initial search on the Discover@MU search bar. Underneath the filters at the top of the page, there is an option to turn on natural language search. If you’re new to researching, this tool could be a helpful starting point and can find different resources than the advanced search. 

In addition to concept maps and natural language search, you can now easily access your personal dashboard through the left-hand side toolbar. Here, your project folders, saved articles and searches, recent activity, requests, loans, and journal alerts are found. If your project folders didn’t migrate to the new interface, this LibGuide gives detailed instructions on how to retrieve them.

For any questions or concerns, the LibGuide previously mentioned or the feedback option on the right sidebar are great places to start. However, if you would like research help, using the live chat on the bottom right or scheduling a consultation with a research librarian are still excellent options. Happy Researching!

home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Do’s and Don’ts of Ellis Library

Peer Navigator Corner: Do’s and Don’ts of Ellis Library

Written by: Mekenzie Moffet

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or regular, Ellis Library is one of the best places on campus to study, research, or just relax between classes. To help everyone have a great experience, here are some quick Do’s & Don’ts to keep in mind:

DO:

  • Find Your Study Spot – explore all of Ellis and figure out where you thrive best, whether that be in one of our quiet spaces or maybe downstairs at the cafe with bustling people around you.
  • Use Group Study Rooms – Reserve one of our many study rooms for you and your classmates if you need to collaborate.
    • Reserve a study spot here
  • Take Advantage of Resources – Don’t forget about the Digital Media Lab, the writing tutors in Room 115, and all the databases you have access to by being a student. Another important tip is to use the librarian chat on our website if you have any research questions for a quick response.
  • Respect Shared Spaces – Keep your voices low in quiet zones and share tables during fairly busy times.

DON’T:

  • Don’t Bring Full Meals – Drinks with lids and small snacks are fine, but full meals should be eaten by the Bookmark Cafe to keep our space clean.
  • Don’t Leave Belongings Unattended for Long – Not only can items get lost, but unattended belongings could get taken and take space from your peers.
  • Don’t Distract Others – Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or playing video games without headphones.
    • Pro Tip: You can check out headphones from the circulation desk!
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Ask The Peer Navigators for Anything – We are here for you and to answer any questions you may have while you’re at the library.

PRO TIPS:

  • If you lose a belonging or come across an item that was left behind, go and see the West Security Desk and they will take care of you!
  • Bookmark Cafe has great coffee and a way shorter line than Starbucks in Memorial, and they also have microwaves to warm up your lunch.
  • Follow the library on social media for updates on events, workshops, and funny videos.
home Ellis Library, Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Equipment Checkout

Peer Navigator Corner: Equipment Checkout

Written by: Libby Gremaud

Ellis Library has so much more to check out than just books. There are tons of different electronics, and a surprising assortment of other materials that can be borrowed from our Checkout and Information Desk. While some of these items you can only use in the library, lots of them can be taken out of the building so you can use them wherever you like.

If you ever need to use a laptop, you can check out either a Dell or a Mac computer. Both can only be used in the library, but they can be borrowed for up to four hours. You can also check out an iPad 9th generation, which can be taken out of the library for up to 3 days. The iPad comes with a charger, an adapter, and a case. Projectors and flash drives are also available, and they can both be checked out for up to 24 hours. 

If your phone or laptop ever dies while you’re on campus, no worries! You can borrow several different kinds of chargers for up to four hours. Supplies such as whiteboard markers, staplers, three-hole punches, headphones, or rulers can also be borrowed from the desk.

One of the best things about Mizzou is that we have so many libraries that all offer something special. If what you need isn’t available at Ellis, it might be at one of our other libraries. The Journalism Library offers CD and DVD players, along with lots of other special cameras and media equipment. If you’re looking for coloring supplies, head to the engineering library, where you can also check out one of the several board games they offer. All of our libraries on campus also allow you to check out umbrellas, which can be handy if you forget yours!

The next time you need something, take a look at our Equipment Lending Guide to see if it is available to be borrowed. These are just some examples of the various things our libraries offer, so make sure to check it out!

home Resources and Services Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis Auditorium (Room 21)

Peer Navigator Corner: Ellis Auditorium (Room 21)

Written by: Sophie Lanzone

Ellis Library is the largest library on campus and serves as a central hub for academic resources and student study space. The library’s design emphasizes a quiet, conducive environment for studying and research. Inside, there are multiple floors with areas designated for individual study, group work, and collaborative learning. The building also hosts the completely disconnected classroom known as Ellis Auditorium, or Room 21.

Ellis Auditorium (room 21) serves as a large lecture hall often used for classes. The room layout is in tiered rows, has max capacity of 200, and is equipped with technology to facilitate learning and collaboration. If you have never been to room 21 before, the exact location can be confusing. Most people think it can be accessed through the main floors of Ellis Library, but the entrance is actually outside on the west side of the building, closer to Lowry Mall. From inside the library, go out the West Entrance at the Ground Level. Once you exit, turn right and walk down toward Lowry Mall until you see the Auditorium Entrance. There should be a sign that shows you have made it to the correct classroom.

If you have trouble finding room 21, you can always look at the library’s website for help. Go to the University of Missouri Library website and click on “Maps & Floorplans” in the top right corner. Once you click that, it will take you to a page with all of our Library locations on it. Once you click on Ellis, scroll down and under “Find Your Way Around Ellis Library,” click on “Ground Floor.”  Ellis Auditorium Classroom 21 is in the top left corner in green. You can then follow the directions provided earlier with this visual to help you access the classroom. As always, never be afraid to ask questions if needed, including at the Peer Navigator desk on the first floor!

home Ellis Library Peer Navigator Corner: Student Employment in Ellis

Peer Navigator Corner: Student Employment in Ellis

Written by: Alyssa Westhoff

For the past two years, I have had the privilege of working as a Peer Navigator at Ellis Library. Not only have I been able to help fellow students navigate the Libraries’ resources, but I’ve also had the chance to enhance my own knowledge of what the library offers while gaining valuable communication and customer service experience. Ellis is in what I consider to be the perfect location for a student job.

As a Peer Navigator, I give directions, help with printing, assist students with finding books or other research materials. Ellis offers a variety of other student worker positions in different departments, and I often get asked how others can apply for similar roles. Here’s a list of some of the departments that hire student workers:

  • Bookmark Café: If you love coffee and are seeking a customer-facing role, working as a barista at Bookmark Café could be a perfect fit for you. 
  • Circulation Desk: As an Information Assistant at the Circulation Desk, you’d help students check out books, guide them through the library’s systems, and assist with general inquiries.
  • Shelving Team: The shelving team is responsible for organizing and maintaining the library’s collections. They ensure that books and other materials are accurately shelved, properly organized, and easily accessible to patrons.
  • Safety Team: Our safety officers patrol the library and supervise the entrances to ensure a secure and welcoming environment, making sure everything runs smoothly and safely within. 
  • Digital Media Lab: For those with an interest in technology, the Digital Media Lab provides resources for multimedia creation. These staff members help students use specialized equipment and software to create podcasts, videos, 3D images, and more.
  • Division of IT Help Station: If you’re skilled at troubleshooting technology issues and enjoy helping others resolve their tech problems, this position is a great opportunity to assist students with their IT-related questions.
  • Writing Center: If you have strong writing skills, being a writing tutor allows you to assist other students with their writing assignments, from brainstorming ideas to editing their papers.
  • Peer Navigators: As Peer Navigators, we assist patrons by providing guidance on library resources, navigating the building, and offering support with research and technology.

If you’re interested in applying for one of these positions, the good news is that several resources are available to help you find open job postings. eRecruit is an internal job resource where you can find positions specifically for MU students. Handshake is another resource which is not only used for on-campus jobs but also features opportunities with external employers for both MU students and alumni. Some of the positions listed above are hired through the Libraries, but others are hired through campus dining, campus IT, and the Student Success Center.

Whether you’re looking for a job that’s conveniently located, offers flexible hours, or helps you build valuable skills, there’s likely a position at Ellis Library that fits your needs. Good luck with your applications!

home Government Information Peer Navigator Corner: Government Documents

Peer Navigator Corner: Government Documents

Written by: Sophie Lanzone

Ellis Library has a diverse set of collections, including our extensive section on Government Documents. The library has been a participant in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1862, which allows it to provide public access to a wide range of federal government publications. These documents are located on the east side of the first floor and include various types of government information, such as agency reports, appropriations, census data, and Supreme Court decisions. The collection offers a rich source of historical and current information that can support research in fields like education, social work, political science, economics, public policy, law, and history.

In addition to federal documents, Ellis Library also holds Missouri state government documents. These publications are integrated into the general library collections under standard call numbers, such as the Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal system, making them easy to find alongside other academic materials. The library also maintains government documents in microfiche format, which are stored in drawers near the Government Documents office. Students and faculty studying political science or are just interested in public policy can use federal and state reports to analyze the effects of government decisions and track policy changes over time. Students can use these resources to develop case studies, research papers, and presentations. The accessibility and diversity of government documents make them a critical resource for anyone seeking to understand the workings of government and its influence on various aspects of society.

When you navigate to the Government Documents tab under “Libraries & Collections,” you’ll find a comprehensive guide to various government documents. On the left side, you can choose between Federal or Missouri documents. The guide includes resources like agency reports, census data, appropriations, and Supreme Court decisions, organized alphabetically by document type. Use the left navigation bar for more details on federal, state, or local information. You can access the guide here. You can also explore the Government Documents Policy and Procedure Guide, which outlines the collection’s various aspects. For example, the maps section includes national park maps, army mapping services, jet navigation charts, tactical pilotage charts, and more. To learn more about different resources, you can access the guide here.

For assistance in locating and using these resources, the Government Documents office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The staff can help guide researchers to the appropriate materials and provide insight into how to navigate the collection effectively. This ensures that students and researchers can make the most of the extensive government document resources available at Ellis Library.