Mississippi State University Library

Mississippi State University Library, located in the heart of the Mississippi State University campus in Starkville, Mississippi, is a comprehensive research library that serves as a vital resource for the university's students, faculty, and staff. With a rich history dating back to 1880, the library has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the academic community, providing access to a vast array of print and digital resources, cutting-edge technology, and innovative services.

History and Development

The Mississippi State University Library has its roots in the late 19th century, when the university was first established as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi. The library’s initial collection consisted of a few hundred volumes, which were housed in a small room in the college’s main building. Over the years, the library grew rapidly, with significant expansions in the early 20th century, including the construction of a new library building in 1950. This building, which still serves as the library’s main facility, has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in 2009 that added new study spaces, technology labs, and a state-of-the-art media center.

Collection and Resources

The Mississippi State University Library’s collection includes over 2 million volumes, comprising books, journals, databases, and other materials that support the university’s academic programs. The library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and is one of the largest research libraries in the state of Mississippi. The library’s collections are particularly strong in the areas of agriculture, engineering, and the social sciences, reflecting the university’s historical strengths in these fields. The library also provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including e-books, online journals, and databases, which can be accessed remotely by students and faculty through the library’s website.

Services and Programs

The Mississippi State University Library offers a range of services and programs that support the academic success of students and faculty. These include research assistance, instruction, and outreach programs, as well as technology support and media services. The library also provides a variety of study spaces, including quiet study areas, group study rooms, and collaborative learning spaces. The library’s information literacy program is designed to help students develop the skills they need to effectively locate, evaluate, and use information in their academic work.

Technology and Digital Services

The Mississippi State University Library is committed to providing cutting-edge technology and digital services that support the academic success of students and faculty. The library’s website provides access to a wide range of digital resources, including online databases, e-books, and digital media. The library also offers a variety of technology support services, including help with research, instruction, and media production. The library’s digital scholarship program provides support for faculty and students who are working on digital projects, including digital humanities and data science initiatives.

The library's technology infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art media center, which provides access to a wide range of digital media, including videos, images, and audio files. The library also offers a variety of collaborative learning spaces, including group study rooms and collaborative learning spaces, which are equipped with the latest technology, including whiteboards and video conferencing equipment.

• Research assistance
• Instruction and outreach programs
• Technology support and media services
• Study spaces, including quiet study areas and group study rooms
• Collaborative learning spaces, including whiteboards and video conferencing equipment