STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University Libraries faculty, staff, university
leaders and campus partners recently gathered to celebrate the library system’s election to
membership in the Association of Research Libraries, a prestigious distinction recognizing the
nation’s leading research libraries.
The celebration marked a historic achievement for Mississippi State University, which
became the only university in Mississippi to earn ARL membership. The event featured remarks
from university and library leadership, fellowship among attendees and recognition of the years
of strategic work that led to the milestone. MSU President Mark E. Keenum congratulated MSU
Libraries faculty and staff during the celebration, recognizing the years of dedication and
strategic progress that led to the milestone.
During the celebration, Dean of Libraries Dr. Lis Keith thanked library faculty, staff and
campus collaborators whose dedication helped position the university among North America’s
premier research institutions. Provost and Executive Vice President David C. Shaw highlighted
the significance of ARL membership in advancing Mississippi State’s research mission and
reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and scholarly
impact.
The university also shared video highlights from the event through its official social
media channels, capturing remarks from library leadership and moments from the celebration.
Photos from the gathering showcased attendees commemorating the milestone and recognizing
the continued growth of MSU’s research enterprise.
ARL membership recognizes excellence in research support, innovation, collections,
services and institutional impact. The organization represents leading research libraries across
the United States and Canada and supports collaboration, scholarship and access to information
resources.
MSU Libraries’ invitation to join ARL followed an extensive review process that
included evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data, campus visits and recommendations
from ARL leadership and membership committees.
For more information about MSU Libraries, visit the library website. Additional
information about the Association of Research Libraries is available online.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more
at www.msstate.edu.
