Mississippi State University Libraries

Happy Labor Day from the Mississippi State University Libraries and the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library!

Reminder: The Library is closed today, but as always you have access to the 24/7 space with your MSU ID.

Calling all graduate students! The University Libraries are here to support your success with a two-day retreat designed for those in the early stages of writing their thesis or dissertation. Presentations will cover new library databases, copyright, data management, citation management, and the submission process. Scheduled for September 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the event is free, but registration is limited. https://msstate.libcal.com/event/12953351

During his 1860 presidential campaign, Abraham Lincoln championed the rights of free soil and free labor, which, unlike slave labor, he argued, fueled individuals' & the nation's growth. The Frank & Virginia Williams Collection Lincolniana at Mississippi State University includes this rare book of campaign songs that captures this message with lyrics like “Free labor and free speech my boys,” and “Free labor shall our watchword be.” As you celebrate this weekend, we invite you to scroll through these ditties freely available online. Happy Labor Day, Bulldogs! https://bit.ly/478K7yv

Football is back! From its humble beginnings in 1895, when Mississippi State—then known as the Mississippi A&M Aggies—first fielded a football team and went 0-2, to today’s new era under Coach Jeff Lebby, football has become a major part of the university experience. MSU's first coach, W. M. Matthews, didn’t secure a win, but he did choose our iconic school colors: maroon and white. Want to dive deeper into MSU Football history? The University Libraries’ Archives and Digital Collections offer a treasure trove of photographs, old programs, cowbells, banners, and more. Come explore our collection!

Wishing our Bulldog FaMily a happy Labor Day weekend! Enjoy the start of football season and an extra day off. Mitchell Memorial Library will be closed Saturday through Monday and will reopen on Tuesday at 7 a.m. As always, you can access the 24/7 Space anytime with your MSU ID.

Cowbell Yell is tonight at 5:30 in the Junction! The cowbell is one of MSU’s most cherished traditions, and the University Libraries are excited to highlight our extensive cowbell collection, showcasing everything from the latest designs to timeless classics. Visit Archives and Special Collections to explore our favorites and discover more about the university’s rich history and traditions.

Are you ready for it? ...We are! 🏈

The University Libraries are ready to ring in the Lebby Era. Whether you’re exploring MSU’s football history, need data help, a book, or research assistance, we’ve got you covered. Let the games begin!


Mississippi State Athletics Mississippi State Football Mississippi State Volleyball Mississippi State Women's Golf Mississippi State Men's Tennis Mississippi State Track & Field Hail State Style

We were thrilled to host the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new MSU Writing Center and our New Faculty Reception this week!

MSU President Dr. Mark E. Keenum provided remarks during the event, highlighting the importance of the Writing Center and University Libraries as key resources for student success.

Our New Faculty Reception was also a success, providing new faculty with a chance to tour the library, meet our team, and learn more about how we can support their work.

University Libraries are excited to foster an environment of community and growth by inviting partners to collaborate with us. We are passionate about Taking Care of What Matters.

https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2024/08/writing-center-moves-library-enhances-accessibility-central-campus-hub

Today's the anniversary of both Emmett Till’s murder (1955) and the March on Washington (1963) and Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The past is never far from us. Hear from Dr. Leslie-Burl McLemore, a man who lived these events and fought for equality.

Read more about Friday's event here - https://msstate.libcal.com/event/12299977

Mitchell Memorial Library has new whiteboards—a “blank space” ready for your brilliant ideas! Come write, draw, and brainstorm—let’s fill these boards with creativity. Don’t forget to check out our other services: library.msstate.edu/services.

Join us this Friday at 1 p.m. in the John Grisham Room for an inspiring lecture by civil rights leader Dr. Leslie McLemore. Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand about his experiences from Freedom Summer 60 years ago, and his insights on preserving democracy.

https://www.library.msstate.edu/news/2024/08/civil-rights-leader-founding-member-mississippi-freedom-democratic-party-speak-60th

Join us TODAY at 5 p.m. for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new MSU Writing Center on the 2nd floor of Mitchell Memorial Library!

MSU President Dr. Mark E. Keenum, Dean of Libraries Dr. Lis Pankl, and Writing Center Director Loreeda Rios will be there to celebrate this exciting expansion. The Writing Center is open to ALL MSU writers—students, faculty, and staff!

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

And don’t forget to stay for the New Faculty Reception in the Dean’s Event Space on the 3rd floor immediately after!



Mississippi State University

Cowbell Yell is next week! Make sure your cowbell never goes out of style by joining us this Friday (8/23) in the MaxxSouth Digital Media Center (DMC) Makerspace. Customize your cowbell and check out all the creative tools and resources we offer. Visit our website to see everything the DMC has in store for you (www.library.msstate.edu/dmc)! ,

New semester, new opportunities! Dean Pankl kicked off Fall 2024 by welcoming students back with free MSU ice cream at the library! Remember, the libraries are here to support you all semester long—make the most of our resources and let's make this your best semester yet!

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https://www.library.msstate.edu/services

What time is it? Ice cream time!

Come meet the Dean of Libraries, Dr. Lis Pankl, and enjoy FREE delicious MSU Ice Cream! We are in the 2nd floor atrium (just off the drill field) until 2 pm (as long as supplies last). We can't wait to see you there!

Kick off Fall 2024 with FREE ice cream at MSU Libraries! 🍦🎉
Stop by the 2nd floor atrium (just off the drill field) today from 11 AM - 2 PM, meet our Library Dean, Dr. Lis Pankl, and enjoy delicious MSU Ice Cream! We can’t wait to see you there!

You’ve heard of one-stop shopping. How about one-stop assistance for all things libraries? Our Access & Information unit is here for you. Our staff and student assistants are ready to help – just ask. Resources, reserves, equipment checkout, room reservations and more – this is the place! You’ll find Access and Information just inside the drill field entrance on the left. Come see us! .studentactivities

https://www.library.msstate.edu/access-and-information

Great news for MSU authors! We’ve partnered with the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) to cover open access publishing costs for your research. Publish unlimited articles in ACM journals without paying APCs—just use your [email protected] email when submitting. Get your work out there and reach a wider audience!

Welcome back to campus, Bulldogs! We’re ready to “shake it off” as we kick off a new year. Whether you’re hitting the books or just trying to find your “Blank Space,” we’re here for you. It’s going to be a great year, so “let the games begin!”

https://www.library.msstate.edu/

ONE WEEK. Anticipation is building for Fall 2024, and the University Libraries can’t wait to welcome you back! Make the Nicholson Student Study Room and all our spaces part of your experience this fall. Go Dawgs!

Check out some of our other great spaces:
https://www.library.msstate.edu/rooms?field_room_type_target_id=All

MSU Faculty - Join us today ONLINE from 2-3pm for a brief but informative refresher training on using Discovery searching and learn about new and exciting features provided by the vendor. https://msstate.libcal.com/event/12668647?hs=a

Or join us Thursday, 10-11am, https://msstate.libcal.com/event/12675859?hs=a.

MSU Staff and Faculty group

Welcome Nursing Students! The Phil Hardin Foundation Library at the Meridian Riley campus welcomes the inaugural Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing cohort. Have a great semester! Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus

As summer term comes to a close the MSU Libraries will move to intersession hours. We will close today at 5pm and will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Hours will be M-F 7am-5pm from 8/5-8/20. Remember, Computer Commons is available 24/7 with MSU ID. https://www.library.msstate.edu/hours

What do libraries and the Olympics have in common? For the Mississippi State Libraries, the answer is easy – a 1924 Olympics warmup suit worn by MSU alum and long-time track coach W.O. Spencer during the 1924 Paris Olympics. Today, 100 years later, nine MSU student-athletes follow in Spencer’s footsteps as they embark on their Olympic dreams – once again in the City of Lights.

Spencer, a native of Okolona, attended MSU from 1920-1924. He returned to Starkville as the Mississippi State track coach, leading the teams from 1936 to 1947, with the exception of four years while serving on active duty. On Nov. 13, 1982, the university dedicated the W.O. Spencer Track Stadium, named after the two-time Olympian and former Mississippi State track and field athlete. Spencer’s generous contributions to the university gave the track program a grandstand that seats 3,500.

During the 1924 Paris Olympics, Spencer was a semifinalist in the Men’s 1500m, placing 7th overall and 3rd in the second heat. He represented the United States again in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, finishing as a semifinalist (final position not known), placing 3rd in the second heat
(according to MSU Athletics).

W.O. Spencer donated the warmup suit to Mississippi State University, and the Libraries' Archives and Special Collections took ownership of it in the early 1970s. The suit will be on display in the Special Collections room during the 2024 Olympics.

Best of luck to our Bulldogs competing this year – Navasky Anderson (Track & Field), Marco Arop (Track & Field), Nuno Borges (Tennis), Lee Eppie (Track & Field), Ilana Izquierdo (Soccer), Catalina Perez (Soccer), Anderson Peters (Track & Field), Curtis Thompson (Track & Field), and Chris Woods (Track & Field).

You can visit the Libraries' Archives and Special Collections online at library.msstate.edu/specialcollections, and about our digital collections at https://www.library.msstate.edu/specialcollections/collections. Learn more about W.O. Spencer at hailstate.com/sports/olympic-games/roster/william%20o.-spencer/11111, and about this year’s MSU Olympians at http://hailstate.com/sports/2024/6/18/state-to-paris-2024.

Go Dawgs!

Rainy days make perfect study days! Get out of the rain and come study with us this weekend. We are open 10-6 Saturday and 2-10 Sunday. You can also find help here - https://www.library.msstate.edu/help.

We hope you take some time to relax, read a book, hang out with friends and family, and just enjoy a great Fourth of July weekend!

Congratulations to Stephen Cunetto, who is retiring as Associate Dean for Community Relations & Strategic Initiatives for the MSU Libraries after more than 33 years of service. MSU Dean of Libraries Dr. Lis Pankl presented Stephen with an engraved cowbell and thanks for a job well done. Read more about his journey from student assistant to associate dean here, https://shorturl.at/BqoAW.

As we prepare for a long weekend, please note the Libraries' adjusted hours. We will close at 5 today and reopen Monday. But as always you may enter the Computer Commons area 24/7 with your MSU ID. The door is to the right of the main drill field doors.

We love the new banners now flanking our television studio. The images help tell the story of the state-of-the-art, digital, High Definition (HD)-ready studio. Home to the Department of Communication’s Broadcasting production classes and the Take 30 news shows, the space can also be rented for high quality video productions. The space features multiple cameras, a green screen, a graphics system, and a control room with video switcher and audio board. Stop by the MaxxSouth Digital Media Center and check it out.

https://www.library.msstate.edu/dmc/spaces/tv-studio

Removing, scanning and moving, oh my! Our awesome student assistants and staff in Access & Information are in the middle of a major shifting project this summer. To make room for upcoming changes, books in the P-S room are being relocated. After removing the books from the shelves, each must be scanned so its new location can be updated in the online catalog.