Message from the Dean

Dear Friends, I would like to tell you about some news here in University Libraries. In February, we learned that Michael Upton, who served as the development officer for the libraries for a number of years, was promoted to development officer for the School of Applied Sciences here at UM. We are sorry to loseRead the story …

New exhibit highlights library treasures

An exhibition of historic artifacts, representing some of the University of Mississippi’s most unique and interesting pieces from the Department of Archives and Special Collections, is on display in the J.D. Williams Library. “Preserving Our Past: Highlights from Archives & Special Collections” features treasures ranging from rare 78-rpm recordings by bluesman Robert Johnson to medievalRead the story …

Ole Miss-Oxford icon leaves major gift to strengthen library resources

Widely known for its rich literary tradition, Oxford attracts a wealth of people who love to read, study and discuss literature. Bibliophile Sue Hart was a force of nature in this environment, spending almost 20 years as a research librarian and publications editor at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture.Read the story …

Former representative’s collection reflects upon career, Ole Miss ties

Former Mississippi Rep. Bill Miles, who recently donated his valuable papers and memorabilia to the J.D. Williams Library at the University of Mississippi, knew as a teenager that his career in journalism would start in Oxford. “Ole Miss was my destination after I decided I wanted to pursue journalism in my mid-teens,” said Miles, anRead the story …

Alumna joins University Libraries as development officer

The University of Mississippi Libraries welcomed alumna Angela Barlow (BBA 09) as its new development officer on June 17. A native of Texarkana, Texas, Barlow has worked as growth and development coordinator for Security Card Services in Oxford for three years, building relationships with the company’s partners across the United States and working to meetRead the story …

Roving Reference provides increased research support

Roving Reference, a new program in UM Libraries, allows easy access to reference librarians who help students, faculty and staff identify and locate resources. As part of Roving Reference, five librarians take turns roaming the library’s stacks during its busiest hours, sharing an iPad to help support patrons in their research. To raise the visibilityRead the story …

Blues archive displays rare items

Music lovers and researchers will be more than thrilled to visit Archives and Special Collections this summer, if only to see an authenticated death certificate of blues legend Robert Johnson, whose poorly documented life and death gave rise to the myth that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange forRead the story …

Curator sings praises of the blues

Curator harmonizes love of music and history at Blues Archive

It comes as no surprise that Greg Johnson, blues curator and associate professor at the J.D. Williams Library, originally planned to be a musicologist. The sought-after instrumentalist plays trombone, guitar, Celtic harp, tin whistle and the bodhran drum with various local ensembles. Johnson is also a longtime bassist for the L-O-U Symphony Orchestra and theRead the story …

Library user survey identifies growth opportunities

A March UM Libraries survey of more than 1,300 faculty, staff and students found that while overall satisfaction is high, recent facility improvements and an increased number of students using the library have left patrons wanting more. “Probably the biggest single area of note was that undergraduates really wanted more seating in the building andRead the story …

Libraries’ Wish List

Based on the results of 2013 user survey

A recent UM Libraries user survey identified several needs among university faculty, staff and students. While the results were generally positive, undergraduates in particular commented on the need for more study space and equipment. The library also received requests for increased access to online journals and number of books. Whiteboards (Cost: $300 each) Lounge ChairsRead the story …