Ellis Library serves as the central research hub for the University of Missouri community, offering collections, study spaces, and expert research support. This overview highlights how the library helps students, faculty, and staff access information, develop skills, and contribute to scholarly work across campus.
Designed to support teaching, learning, and discovery, Ellis Library combines historical resources with modern technology and user-focused services. The following sections explore its collections, spaces, services, and impact on the University of Missouri.
| Library Attribute | Description | Impact on Users | Key Metric or Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Mission | Support research, teaching, and learning at the University of Missouri | Guides collections and service priorities | Mission-driven collection development |
| Core Collections | Books, journals, digital resources, archives, and special collections | Meets diverse academic and recreational needs | Millions of volumes and licensed databases |
| Study and Collaboration Spaces | Quiet areas, group study rooms, makerspaces, and technology labs | Supports multiple learning styles and project work | Hundreds of seats and reservable rooms |
| Research and Instruction Services | Reference help, subject consultations, information literacy instruction | Improves research quality and student success | Thousands of instruction sessions annually |
| Digital Access and Innovation | Remote database access, digital scholarship tools, open educational resources | Expands reach and supports online and hybrid learning | 24/7 access to licensed and open content |
Collection Strength and Academic Support
Research Collections and Specialized Resources
Ellis Library maintains robust research collections that support undergraduate education, graduate study, and faculty research. The holdings include millions of books, journals, digital resources, and archival materials, with particular strengths in disciplines central to the University of Missouri curriculum.
Archival and Special Collections Impact
Special collections and university archives preserve rare books, historical manuscripts, and local culture records, enabling primary source research and community engagement. These materials serve scholars, students, and external researchers, highlighting the library’s role in stewardship and public history.
Modern Study and Learning Environments
Collaborative and Flexible Spaces
The library provides a mix of quiet study areas, collaborative workspaces, and flexible group study rooms designed for different workflows. These environments are equipped with technology, whiteboards, and mobile furniture that support team projects and active learning.
Technology and Makerspace Resources
Ellis Library includes technology-rich facilities such as computer labs, software suites, and makerspaces with tools for design, prototyping, and digital creativity. These resources empower students and faculty to experiment with emerging technologies and media production.
Instruction, Research Support, and Digital Services
Research Consultations and Information Literacy
Librarians offer subject-specific research consultations, course-integrated information literacy instruction, and workshops on data management and citation practices. These services help users build critical research skills and integrate reliable methods into their academic work.
Digital Scholarship and Open Access Initiatives
The library supports digital scholarship through data services, repository systems, and guidance on open access publishing. By enabling scholarly communication and long-term access to research outputs, Ellis Library strengthens the visibility and impact of University of Missouri scholarship.
Community Engagement, History, and Campus Impact
Connections to University Traditions and Culture
Ellis Library reflects and reinforces the academic culture of the University of Missouri by hosting exhibits, lectures, and cultural events that connect students and the public with campus intellectual life. Its architecture, public art, and historic elements contribute to the identity of the university community.
Outreach and Partnerships Off Campus
The library extends its reach through partnerships with local schools, public libraries, and cultural organizations, supporting lifelong learning beyond campus. These collaborations expand resources, create mutually beneficial programs, and strengthen the library’s role as a regional knowledge center.
Engage with Ellis Library on Campus and Beyond
- Explore the library catalog and databases to discover books, articles, and archival materials
- Reserve study rooms, computer labs, and collaborative spaces for individual and group work
- Attend workshops, consultations, and open lab sessions to build research and technology skills
- Participate in exhibits, lectures, and cultural events that connect campus and community
- Use digital services and open access resources to share and preserve your research
FAQ
Reader questions
What types of collections and databases does Ellis Library provide access to?
Ellis Library offers a wide range of collections, including books, print and electronic journals, streaming media, and specialized databases. In addition, the library provides access to archival materials, government documents, and digital resources that support research across disciplines.
How can students, faculty, and staff use study spaces and technology resources at Ellis Library?
Students, faculty, and staff can reserve study rooms, use collaborative workstations, and access technology-rich spaces such as computer labs and makerspaces. These resources are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation, depending on the space and time of year.
What research support and instruction services does Ellis Library offer?
The library provides research consultations, course-integrated library instruction, and workshops on topics such as data management, citation tools, and literature searching. Librarians also support systematic reviews, grant proposals, and scholarly communication needs.
How does Ellis Library support digital scholarship and open access at the University of Missouri?
Ellis Library supports digital scholarship through consultations, workshops, and infrastructure such as repository systems and data management planning. The library promotes open access publishing, copyright guidance, and long-term preservation of digital research assets produced by the university community.