University Libraries at Southern Miss

The summer semester comes to a close today, and the intersession schedule at Cook and Gulf Coast Libraries will begin this weekend. Check out the updated schedules below!

August 8 - August 23
Cook Library
Closed Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

Gulf Coast Library
Saturday, August 8, open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Closed, Sunday, August 9
Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Learn more at lib.usm.edu

Congratulations to Josh Cromwell, scholarly communications manager at University Libraries, on the publication of his book, 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴

The book explores innovative approaches to managing institutional repositories, expanding collections, increasing accessibility, and fostering more inclusive scholarly communication. Josh brings together perspectives from library professionals across the field to help shape the future of institutional repositories.

Learn more about the book: https://www.fulcrum.org/concern/monographs/j3860b730?locale=en

🦅 SEA Internship Spotlight: USM Research Library

There's something special about gaining real-world work experience while surrounded by the spirit of a university campus.

This summer, two of our SEA interns are spending time at The University of Southern Mississippi Research Library, building workplace skills while becoming part of the Southern Miss community.

Internships like this help students develop confidence, professionalism, and independence while experiencing the rhythm of a college campus. For many young adults, opportunities like these make higher education and future careers feel a little more attainable and a lot less intimidating.

A special thank you to the University of Southern Mississippi Research Library for investing in the next generation. SEA internships are made possible through our continued partnership with MDRS.

💛🖤 Southern Miss to the Top!

🎉 We're excited to share that the Mississippi Digital Library has been named one of the 75 Best State Genealogy Websites of 2025 by Family Tree Magazine! This national recognition highlights MDL's commitment to providing free online access to Mississippi's rich history through photographs, manuscripts, newspapers, family records, and more from partner institutions across the state.

Explore the story and discover why MDL is a go-to resource for family historians and researchers: https://lib.usm.edu/about_us/news/mdl_best_state_website.html

Research carrels are available at Cook Library for semester-long use by Southern Miss faculty, staff, and students. These private workspaces provide a quiet place to study, conduct research, write, and complete long-term projects. Each carrel includes a desk, chair, bulletin board, and wired and wireless internet access, with convenient access to the library's collections and services.

Carrels are available for $30 per fall or spring semester and $25 during the summer. They are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservations are encouraged. Read more and reserve your carrel here.

Click to reserve your carrel for the fall semester: https://lib.usm.edu/services/research_carrels.html

🐛 Ever wonder what caterpillars are really doing before they become butterflies?

Join University Libraries for a special Lunch and Learn screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar," a stunning 60-minute documentary that explores the hidden lives of caterpillars and their essential role in healthy ecosystems. From meadows and forests to parks and backyard gardens, discover why these tiny creatures make such a big impact.

📅 Tuesday, July 7
🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Cook Library 206Z

Bring your lunch and enjoy an inspiring film featuring the work of The Caterpillar Lab, entomologist David Wagner, and Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park.

☀️ Summer hours begin June 1 at Cook and Gulf Coast Libraries!

Be sure to check our updated schedule before your next visit so you can plan your study sessions, research time, and borrows all summer long. 📚😎

Cook Library
Monday – Friday: 7 am – 10 pm
Friday: 7 am - 5 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12 – 10 pm

Gulf Coast Library
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am – 9 pm
Friday: 7:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm
Sunday: Closed

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

📚 New hours alert! 📚
As we move from the spring semester into summer term, our library hours are changing. Be sure to check our updated schedule before your next visit.

Cook Library
Thursday, May 14: Open until 12 a.m.
Friday, May 15: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18 – Friday, May 22: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25: Closed
Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31: Closed

Gulf Coast Library
Thursday, May 14: Open until 10 p.m.
Friday, May 15: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18 – Friday, May 22: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25: Closed
Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31: Closed

Summer hours begin Monday, June 1. Visit lib.usm.edu for more.

Melissa Brooks, head of technical services, is the 2026 recipient of the Excellence in University Librarianship Award.

As head of technical services, she leads the cataloging, electronic resources, and collection management units, collaborating with staff to identify resources and order, receive, and process resources to provide the best access possible to the University community.

The Excellence in University Librarianship Award recognizes a faculty member who has significantly contributed in the practice of librarianship through excellent performance that enhances the dissemination of knowledge and through the advancement of learning.

Congratulations Melissa!