CAMP's operational structure is determined and governed by its members.  The CAMP Bylaws can be revised by a vote of the representatives at CAMP member institutions. The members of CAMP also elect the CAMP Executive Committee, which sets and carries out CAMP's organizational priorities.  

CAMP is made possible through the support of the Center for Research Libraries, which serves as its administrative, fiscal, and legal agent.

CAMP meets twice a year. In the spring, CAMP meets at the meeting of the Africana Librarians Council and this meeting is held at a member institution.  In the fall, CAMP meets in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the African Studies Assocation. At each of these meetings, CAMP considers and votes on funding proposals for acquisitions and new projects.

Institutions and nonprofit organizations that maintain a library and whose interests coincide with CAMP are welcome to Join CAMP.

CAMP was founded in 1963 as the first Area Microform (now Materials) Project at the Center for Research Libraries. An article about CAMP's History describes the accomplishments of CAMP over more than fifty years.