Campaign Priorities
FUELING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
First and foremost, the University Libraries’ resource selection is driven by the exponential needs of a diverse array of students and faculty investigating the intricacies of their subject areas, performing critical and sophisticated research, and exploring the boundaries of innovation and creativity. From the needs of R1 researchers or an Honors College senior thesis, to the latest data on COVID-19, University of Mississippi librarians are tasked with the imperative to envision what students, faculty, and staff need – and acquire it before it is needed.
EMPOWERING INNOVATION
Providing access to technology and tools, engaging students in learning, and spurring creativity are essential functions of a library – doubly so for an academic library. Providing students with the welcoming space to pursue experiential, hands-on-learning with new and unfamiliar devices, and the opportunity to put their own ideas into practice, is the mission of the IDEALab. Ensuring that the IDEAlab teaches the skills graduates will need 5, 10 or 15 years from now requires the University of Mississippi Libraries to anticipate emergent technology needs across industries and acquire new IDEAlab technology and resources on a continuing basis.
PRESERVING OUR HISTORY
As one of the few flagship schools in the nation without an official University archivist or historian, we are at a critical disadvantage and risk. The University Archives preserve, organize, and provide scholars access to University of Mississippi’s institutional memory. Researchers and the public can explore how our university was established, the complexities of our past, and how our legacy has evolved by perusing historical letters, diaries, ledgers, and other documents, manuscripts, videos, maps, and much more. As history unfolds, even on our own campus, it is imperative that we have a dedicated archivist to document events. From the great debates on campus, to the winning of championships, and celebrations of prize-winning scholars, we must preserve and share our rich cultural legacy.
ILLUMINATING THE IRREPLACEABLE
University of Mississippi libraries are home to rare, irreplaceable, and singularly impressive collections. These collections document not only history, but culture, creativity, art, politics, and the development of thought important to our country and especially to Mississippians. Understanding and sharing these collections, which include everything from manuscripts, letters, and postcards to recordings and objects, to today’s tweets, is the job of an archivist.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
Graduate Assistants are an essential part of library functions. They hold key positions in almost every department, and help the library operate efficiently. Much as library collections are a cornerstone to the research enterprise, the availability of graduate assistantships is imperative to our success. The presence of graduate students on a university campus not only enriches the campus but is a key element in the attainment of R1 status. The library’s ability to provide well-compensated graduate assistantships is an important tool for the university to continue to attract and retain the country’s top graduate students.