April 7, 2025
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu
Photos by Rosemary Frank, Sam O'Keefe, Abbie Lankitus and Justin Kelley
At the University of Missouri, libraries are places to dig deeper, think bigger and discover more. They’re about connection, curiosity and collaboration, spaces where ideas come to life.
In honor of National Library Week, April 6-12, we’re taking you on a tour of five Mizzou libraries, each with their own unique flavor.
Ready to explore? Let’s go:
Geological Sciences Library
If you're looking for geologic, topographic and thematic maps, the Geological Sciences Library is the place to be.
Tucked inside the Geology Building on the northwest edge of Francis Quadrangle, Mizzou’s Geological Sciences Library is a hidden gem — perfect for rock enthusiasts, future paleontologists and anyone curious about what’s beneath our feet.
Inside, the library’s atmosphere shifts between quiet study sessions and casual group discussions. It’s not unusual to see geology students collaborating on projects or rock collectors seeking expert opinions on their latest discoveries. The library's collection includes geologic, topographic and thematic maps that chart everything from elevations to rock formations. With a wealth of rock samples to explore, students studying geology, paleontology or mineralogy can channel their inner archaeologist.
Interested in digging deeper? You’ll also find a special collection describing invertebrates, and issues of the American Journal of Science from 1818 offer a peek into the past. Explore the infamous Dinosaur Wars of the 1870s and a print of the Grand Canyon from 1882 by famed geologist Clarence Dutton. And don’t miss this library’s giant quartz crystal, a stunning example of Earth’s natural processes, originally found in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains.
“I learn something new every day,” Stephen Stanton, chief librarian for 31 years, said. “I love this library’s collection and the people who work here.”
Health Sciences Library
Sleek "privacy pods" are ideal for deep study sessions.
Between the Sinclair School of Nursing and the Patient-Centered Care Learning Center sits the newly renovated Health Sciences Library.
The atmosphere here is calm and peaceful, with many students gravitating toward the north windows that frame a picture-perfect view of Jesse Hall. Instead of shelves jam-packed with books, you’ll find sleek “privacy pods” ideal for deep study sessions.
Upstairs, the vibe shifts. The Rare Books Room — donated by Donald Silver, a former chair of the Department of Surgery — feels like stepping into another century with volumes dating back to 1565.
Whether you're studying medicine, nursing or health sciences, the library offers both physical and online resources for your courses. And when it’s time to reset, the flexible-use room turns into whatever students need to recharge.
“I like focusing on the wellness of the students and helping people find the information they need,” librarian Taira Meadowcroft said. “Whether it’s creating ‘Craft-ernoon’ events or providing coloring books with old book covers, I like to put on mindfulness activities to promote student wellness.”
If you’re into historical oddities, don’t miss the library’s special collection, which includes a rare ivory anatomical manikin of a pregnant woman — offering a glimpse into how far medical education has come.
Journalism Library
The Journalism Library is located in the Reynolds Journalism Institute.
Breaking news: this library is where big ideas and great stories begin.
Welcome to the world’s first journalism library. Founded in 1908 by Walter Williams, the Journalism Library sits at the heart of the Reynolds Journalism Institute on the northeast corner of Francis Quadrangle. Its sleek, modern design — with vibrant red carpet, open spaces and large windows that flood the room with natural light — invites collaboration and creativity.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the library offers everything from multimedia software and audio/visual equipment to a Bloomberg Terminal for tracking global stock markets. Need tools for a class project? Check out microphones, tripods and cameras to bring your stories to life.
But the treasures don’t stop at tech. The library is home to the Betty Houchin Winfield Collection, featuring cookbooks and travel books donated by the former Mizzou journalism professor, and a vast fiction library from Steven Weinberg, BJ ’70, who both studied and taught at the Missouri School of Journalism. And don’t miss the Pictures of the Year International collection showcasing photojournalism that captures the world in all of its raw, real and remarkable moments.
And for multitaskers? There’s even a bike desk downstairs. Pedal, read, repeat. Because here, journalism never sits still.
Need a guide to all of this tech and treasure? Librarian Gabriel Harman is the go-to.
“It is so fulfilling to be able to help a student access a resource and make them feel welcome, represented and comfortable,” Harman said. “Journalists are information seekers, and as a librarian, I am an information provider, so forging those relationships is very rewarding.”
Law Library
Natural sunlight pours in through large windows at the Law Library.
Strictly for the legal minds, Mizzou’s Law Library is where law students and legal researchers dig deep into case law and statutes.
The Law Library, nestled in the heart of campus next to the Mel Carnahan Quadrangle, is a quiet, focused space for those digging into the nuances of legal matters.
The meticulously organized bookshelves, dedicated study carrels and sunlight pouring in through large windows with a stunning view of Carnahan Quad create a balance of tradition and comfort. There are even group study rooms with chalkboards for those feeling nostalgic.
From Supreme Court rulings to Missouri statutes, the library’s collections are vast. Online databases make digital legal research seamless. A must-see is the William F. Fratcher Rare Book Room, where legal history unfolds through fragile, historical books. Some even date back to the 1600s.
The library’s commitment to service is embodied in the three clinics it houses: the Veterans Clinic, the Mizzou Child and Family Justice Clinic and the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic, all offering crucial legal help to Missourians and hands-on experience to students.
And be sure to check out the bust of Lee Harry Tate, which sits on the first floor. A 1913 graduate of the School of Law, Tate died following his service in the U.S. Navy during World War I. His parents were instrumental in the naming of Mizzou’s Tate Hall, which housed the School of Law from 1927 to 1988. Tate’s bust gets fashion upgrades throughout the year, including a cap and gown during commencement season and a Chiefs jersey during the Super Bowl.
“We have a wonderful culture of teamwork and care in the School of Law,” Law Library Director Cynthia Bassett said. “When I went to law school here, I was astounded by the care the faculty took to be good teachers and care for their students. As the state’s flagship university, we take pride in offering legal research tools that law students and citizens can use to inform themselves about their legal rights.”
Mathematical Sciences Library
This math clock will test your numerical knowledge at all hours of the day.
Small but mighty, this library is all about the numbers — and the vibes.
Nestled between Stankowski Field and MizzouRec, the Mathematical Sciences Library is one of the smallest libraries at Mizzou and might just be the quietest, too, making it a perfect retreat for anyone needing to crunch numbers without distractions.
Shaped like a square, the space bathes in natural sunlight, streaming through high windows and setting the stage for deep dives into mathematical wonders.
Whether you're tackling calculus, mastering algebra or diving into geometry, this library’s vast collection is a treasure trove for Mizzou’s mathematics enthusiasts.
One of its crown jewels is the Nigel Kalton Collection, honoring the late Mizzou professor and globally respected expert in functional analysis. His books, notes and research papers are here to inspire the next generation of math minds — no proof required.
“I enjoy providing a welcoming environment for math students to have a place to study,” librarian Yasuyo Knoll said. “The math professors are also very friendly, and it is great to see them teach students how math can help explain various things in life, everything from music to knots.”
And Knoll walks the talk. She decorates the stacks with geometric origami art, hosts Pi Day puzzle challenges and fosters the kind of space where math feels fun.
Because at this library, equations aren’t just problems; they’re possibilities. And sometimes, the smallest spaces lead to the biggest discoveries.
