In February 2007, Special Collections at the University of Southern Mississippi started a new online feature - "Item of the Month." Each month, a librarian selects an item (letter, book, photograph, etc) which is researched, scanned or photographed, and then made accessible online. The books, manuscripts, ephemera, and realia featured as the Item of the Month can be found in the University Archives, Historical Manuscripts, de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, Mississippiana, and Rare Books which are all located in Special Collections found in McCain Library & Archives.

The Item of the Month feature has been well-received by University faculty, staff, and students, and it is a monthly reminder to the University community of the fascinating materials located in Special Collections.