Libraries
With creative discovery as a bold tradition and ever-evolving centerpiece of Mississippi State University’s existence, MSU Libraries have an innovation-driven presence as part of the state’s leading research institution. World-class research collections, technology-infused learning labs, and user-driven centers and services make the MSU Libraries an inviting and exciting place for those who are hungry for knowledge and solutions that can make a difference and positively impact lives.
The MSU Libraries are composed of the Mitchell Memorial Library (Main Library), the Old Main Academic Center, the Bob and Kathy Luke Library (College of Architecture, Art, and Design), the College of Veterinary Medicine Library, the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation Library (Jackson Design Center) and the Phil Hardin Foundation Libraries (MSU – Meridian College Park Campus and the Riley Campus). The libraries maintain a collection of more than 2.3 million volumes, 211,000 electronic journals and more than 530 research databases and offer over 100 workshops focusing on information and digital literacy skills, citation management, copyright, using primary resources, as well as emerging technologies and software such as the Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
Mitchell Memorial Library, located on the iconic MSU Drill Field, includes a 90-seat computer lab, a digital media center, electronic classrooms, presentation rooms, a 90-seat auditorium, reservable technology equipped collaboration rooms, areas for students to study individually or in groups, and Einstein Brother’s Bagel shop.
The libraries’ MaxxSouth Digital Media Center is a multi-media collaborative space equipped with technology designed to propel teaching, learning, creation, exploration, and research. The center provides students and faculty with high-end computers equipped with the latest software needed for digital design and production. The center features a state-of-the art TV Studio; an AV Studio; Mixed Reality Lab and a makerspace which includes high-end color printing, wide-format printing, laminating, 3D printers, laser and die-cutting, heat press, and sewing machines.
Archives & Special Collections contains manuscripts, rare books, and other unique historical materials documenting the history of Mississippi State University, Mississippi, the South, and beyond. The Manuscripts Division includes many significant collections in the areas of journalism, civil rights, and agricultural and architectural history. The Mississippiana and Rare Books Collection contains significant works about Mississippi and by Mississippi authors, as well as a large collection of unique and valuable publications. University Archives documents the history of Mississippi State University through official records, university memorabilia, and photographs. The Mississippi Political Collections house the papers of prominent local, state, and national politicians, activists, and judges.
Mitchell Memorial Library is also the home of the Ulysses S. Grant Association and the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana. These collections contain rare and valuable memorabilia, priceless artifacts, signed documents, and other original and one-of-a-kind items. Materials from these collections are on display in the Grant Museum and Williams Gallery. While visiting the library, be sure to visit the Charles H. Templeton, Sr., Music Museum, John Grisham Room, and the Stennis/Montgomery Room to learn more about these significant MSU alumni and collections.
Above all, the libraries’ exceptional faculty and staff provide the university with a variety of information resources, collections and services required of a comprehensive, research intensive institution of higher learning. They provide a comprehensive range of individualize research services including customized instruction sessions, one-on-one consultations, e-mail research assistance, and online chat.