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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
Hunter Collection
The Hunter Collection consists of mass education material, directories and guidebooks published in Hong Kong and in Mainland China, particularly Shanghai, in the years 1947-1954 and collected by Edward Hunter.
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
Print Archive Network (PAN) Forum Midwinter January 23, 2026
PAN Midwinter Forum
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 12:00–2:00 PM Eastern
Location: Online (please [register here])
The Print Archives Network (PAN) Midwinter Forum will be held online on January 23, 2026. PAN is a free and open platform for sharing...
Morris Levy - CRL’s Inaugural Metadata Initiatives Program Officer
CRL is pleased to introduce our new Metadata Initiatives Program Officer, Morris Levy. Morris is a seasoned metadata strategist and cataloging leader with over 20 years of experience in academic libraries and cooperative programs.
He will join the...