Miller Nichols Library (MNL) is a dynamic space that shapes and supports students’ educational journey, and is more than a catalog of books.
In the heart of campus, MNL remains a place where students delve into research, tackle group projects and seek quiet refuge from the hustle of college life.
“I usually go to the Music/Media Library on the ground floor about three times a week to study and research,” said political sciences major Luke Watkiss. “I find it relaxing here. There’s lots of different floors with different noise levels depending on how much you need to focus.”
Mathematics and data analyst major Madason Ouellet said “I try to get most of my schoolwork done (at the MNL) or I study for upcoming exams.”
Beyond quiet study spaces, MNL has various events, facilities, workshops and resources.
“We teach workshops to help students learn how to use library technologies. For example, Zotero is a citation manager,” said Head of Outreach and Engagement Dani Wellemeyer. “It helps you keep track of the citations for all of the articles, books, or research you’re finding, and then generates your bibliography.”
Rainbow Read at MNL is coming up in October during LGBT History Month. Rainbow Read is a crowd sourced reading, writing and performance event where people can recite the works of LGBTQ creators.
MNL will also have an African American Reading during Black History Month and an international student celebration.
MNL also has amenities suited for the student body’s convenience.
“I’m highly dependent on caffeine and The Robot Cafe, so it’s really important to me that we have a coffee shop here,” said Wellemeyer.
Other resources are more student utility-based such as treadmill walking desks and more.
“We have some photoshop, audio, data visualization, video, editing softwares that are open to students. As well as a recording studio for podcasts and visual productions,” said graduate assistant of the Digital Collaboration Studio Venkatesh Tatineni. “We also have a seminar room for meetings.”
As the Digital Collaboration Studio continues to enhance its offerings for students, renovations are underway throughout the fourth floor.
The fourth floor will be completely renovated, including new rooms and spaces, carpet, lighting and restrooms.
“With the newly renovated floor, student success programs will gain areas to meet with the students in their programs and updated classroom space,” said Wellemeyer.
These programs include Supplemental Instruction, UMKC Tutoring, Writing Studio, First Generation Roos, Professional Career Escalators, Undergraduate Research, Bloch Scholars, KC Scholars, Men of Color Academy and Peer Academic Leaders (PALs).
In addition to the diverse programs available to support student success, the resources at MNL are designed to foster direct engagement and personalized assistance.
“At MNL, every specialized department has a service desk, so there’s a ton of opportunities to meet with someone in person and work side by side with them,” said Wellemeyer. “We also have a 24/7 Chat with a Librarian on our website. It’s a real person, never a robot. You can literally chat with a librarian at 3 A.M..”
For more info on the Miller Nichols Library, click here.
