Collections Policies

The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) Collection Philosophy directs our strategic emphasis to serve member libraries and affiliated researchers by providing diverse and globally informed collections that complement their local resources. The CRL collection principles and strategies that flow from our mission, vision, values, and collection philosophy prioritize inclusive perspectives and interconnected knowledge systems. Through efforts in Open Access and Interlibrary Loan, CRL expands access beyond our membership while maintaining the integrity of our shared collections. CRL actively preserves both physical and digital materials and collaborates with partners to steward at-risk content. For more details about our policies governing this work, please refer to the documents below.

The Center for Research Libraries Policies

CRL Collection Principles

CRL is actively developing a Global Collection that reflects a multi-faceted approach to collecting materials which represent diverse perspectives, regions, and disciplines that include voices and knowledge systems worldwide.

CRL Collection Emphases

Supporting our current Collection Development Philosophy, CRL highlights these strengths, or our collection based on historical practices and programs.

Global Collections Committees Policies

GCC Acquisitions Policy

Policy outlining the collection development of selective purchases of physical materials as determined by our collection development policy and advisory of our Global Collections Committees.

GCC Project Support

CRL allocates funds, staffing, equipment, physical space, virtual storage, and other resources to plan, manage, execute, and sustain projects identified and developed by member area subject specialists working in Global Collections Committees.

GCC Licensing Support

GCC benefits from direct access to CRL's licensing expertise through our Licensing and Acquisitions program.

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