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Who we are
The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) is a global network of university, college, and research libraries that has supported original research and multidisciplinary teaching for over 75 years.
Researchers worldwide benefit from CRL's shared collections, which enhance local library resources, and from services designed to maximize their impact and accessibility. CRL members actively shape its direction through participation in the Board, committees, and working groups.
Together, CRL staff and members address key challenges in scholarly research by:
- Building shared physical and digital collections to complement member libraries.
- Providing cost-effective, on-demand digitization for easier access.
- Minimizing duplication and aligning physical preservation with digital access.
- Offering tools and services to guide smarter collection decisions.
Learn more about the scope of our work and what's in store for CRL
Highlights of our Digital Collections
Brazilian Government Documents
Executive branch serial documents issued by Brazil’s national government between 1821 and 1993, and by its provincial governments from the earliest available to the end of the first Republic in 1930.
Sajjad Zaheer and Razia Sajjad Zaheer archives.
Collection of material by and about Sajjad Zahir and Raziyyah Sajjad Zahir, including correspondence, newspaper articles, notes, manuscripts, books, photographs, and miscellaneous materials.
Historical botanical illustrations preserved at East African Herbarium in Nairobi, Kenya
Collection of over 1500 plant species illustrations dating back to 1929 held by East African Herbarium in Nairobi, Kenya, and digitized by them, 2018-2019.
News
CRL + Coherent Digital Partnership Announcement
CRL’s Partnership with Coherent Digital Drives Widespread Adoption of Key Digital Resources
Chicago, IL and Alexandria, VA – July 2, 2025
The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) and Coherent Digital today announced the success of a collaborative effort...
CRL Announces Nine New Global Collections Committees
The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) is pleased to formally announce the creation of nine new Global Collections Committees (GCCs). In a meeting last November, the CRL Board of Directors approved the implementation of a new committee structure...