Melissa Dennis

Melissa Dennis is Associate Professor and Head of Research & Instruction at the University of Mississippi's J.D. Williams Library. She leads a team supporting teaching and learning across Oxford and distance campuses, serving as subject librarian for Athletic Training, Health, Exercise Science & Recreation Management, Public Health, and Freshman Studies.

Her educational background includes a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi (2006), a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Mississippi, and an Associate of Arts from Jones County Junior College.

Melissa's research focuses on first-year student learning in academic libraries and community engagement partnerships with school librarians. She leads initiatives such as the first-year instruction program, the campus Common Reading Experience committee, and organizes annual events including the School Library Symposium and Library Experience Day.

Her work in library instruction and intellectual freedom is informed by her thesis on banned books in Mississippi academic libraries. She also coordinates the ‘Ask a Librarian’ chat service, enhancing research support accessibility.

Professional Service & Leadership

• Head of Research & Instruction Services
• Subject librarian for multiple health and education departments
• Coordinator of Ask a Librarian chat service
• Lead for first-year instruction initiative
• Member of Common Reading Experience committee
• Organizer of School Library Symposium and Library Experience Day