Feb. 14, 2025
Photo by Justin Kelley, MU Health Care
The University of Missouri recently celebrated the reopening of the newly remodeled J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library. Serving Mizzou faculty, staff and students since 1985, the library underwent nearly a year of renovations to create a more modern and innovative learning environment.
The upgraded space now accommodates up to 175 learners across various disciplines, including medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, health policy, informatics and translational biosciences.
Richard J. Barohn, MD, executive vice chancellor for health affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson dean of the School of Medicine, emphasized the library’s role in fostering academic growth and collaboration.
“The library is now a modern space designed to meet the evolving needs of our students, faculty and healthcare professionals,” Barohn said. “Our vision for this library has always been to provide an environment that supports academic excellence, critical thinking and collaboration. This is where ideas will take shape, where projects will begin and where new partnerships will form between disciplines.”
Also there to mark the reopening was Kara Whatley, vice provost for libraries and university librarian. The School of Medicine’s space planning team and MU Libraries were recognized for their contributions towards the renovation process.
The redesigned space includes improved access to technology, collaborative and individual study spaces, and innovative furniture concepts that are necessary for today’s technology needs. New study rooms feature a larger footprint and are equipped with television monitors to allow screen sharing during collaboration. Additionally, a variety of new modern furniture and spaces have been implemented.
Moving forward, the J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library will continue to provide a comprehensive collection of journals, textbooks, databases and evidence-based resources. During the renovation, MU Library Services enhanced its data services capabilities for health sciences researchers, faculty and students.
“This incredible renovation reaffirms our university’s commitment to academic excellence and bringing our community together,” Whatley said. “I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication from everyone involved in bringing this renovation to life. Their commitment to creating a space that is both functional and welcoming ensures that this library will continue to meet the evolving needs of our students and faculty.”
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