he nucleus of the Library is a collection of materials donated in 1965 by Miss Fannye Cook, the Museum's first Director. The collection consists primarily of materials dealing with the identification of Mississippi's flora and fauna, their habitats, conservation, and management. Materials on botany, zoology, ecology, freshwater biology, muselogy, law, and legislation, with an emphasis on endangered species, environmental impact statements, and plant and animal communities, create a remarkable body of knowledge on Mississippi's natural history. The 10,000 volume library functions as a support facility for the various programs and research efforts of the Museum and the materials collected reflect these endeavors.

Reprints

A special collection of scientific reprints includes early papers collected by Miss Cook, articles on Gopher Tortoise research, freshwater mussels, and a complete collection of reprints on the botany of Mississippi. A complete collection of Museum Technical Reports, Freshwater Fisheries Reports, and Game Reports of the MDWFP is also maintained. Information is provided in a variety of formats: books, government reports, periodicals, videos, slides, and CD ROM.

Periodicals

The Library receives over 100 scientific journals and newsletters representing all the major natural science disciplines, with complete runs of the principle titles. Emphasis is also placed on periodicals that pertain to conservation efforts in Mississippi and the south. The current year's issues are displayed on open shelves in the reading room. After the year and/or volume is complete, the issues are bound and shelved in alphabetical order in the stacks.

Archives

The Library's collection is complemented by an extensive collection of archival items. The archives is comprised not only of administrative records and official Museum and MDWFP documents, but also special collections which include the Fannye Cook Papers and the WPA Papers, which contain hand colored maps and photographic documentation of the historic WPA Plant and Animal Survey of Mississippi conducted by Fannye Cook. Portions of the archives have been brought together in a special collection that documents the History of Wildlife Conservation in Mississippi. Unpublished manuscripts of early scientists who worked in Mississippi, such as Aldo Leopold, Benjamin Leonard Covington Wailes, O. P. Hay, Samuel F. Hildebrand, Eugene W. Hilgard, and Ephraim Noble Lowe are also held.