February 14, 2025
Photo by Justin Kelley, Mu Health Care
The University of Missouri recently celebrated the reopening of the new Library of Health Sciences. Serving teachers, staff and students of Mizzou since 1985, the library has undergone almost a year of renovations to create a more modern and innovative learning environment.
The improved space now welcomes up to 175 learners in various disciplines, including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, health policy, IT and translational biosciences.
Richard J. Barohn, MD, Executive Vice-Chancellor of Health Affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean of the School of Medicine, stressed the role of the library in the promotion of academic growth and the collaboration.
“The library is now a modern space designed to meet the evolutionary needs of our students, teachers and health professionals,” said Barohn. “Our vision of this library has always been to provide an environment that supports academic excellence, critical thinking and collaboration. This is where ideas will take shape, where projects will start and where new partnerships will form between disciplines. »»
Kara Whatley, Vice-Prévôt of librarians and university librarian. The spatial planning team of the School of Medicine and MU libraries have been recognized for their contributions to the renovation process.
The redesigned space includes better access to technology, collaborative and individual study spaces and innovative furniture concepts necessary for today’s technological needs. The new study rooms include a larger imprint and are equipped with television monitors to allow screen sharing during collaboration. In addition, a variety of new furniture and modern spaces have been implemented.
In the future, the J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences library will continue to provide a complete collection of journals, manuals, databases and resources based on evidence. During the renovation, the MU library services improved its data service capacities for researchers, teachers and health science students.
“This incredible renovation reaffirms our university’s commitment to academic excellence and the meeting of our community,” said Whatley. “I want to recognize the hard work and the dedication of all the people involved in the development of this renovation. Their commitment to create a space that is both functional and welcoming guarantees that this library will continue to meet the evolutionary needs of our students and our teachers. »»