This issue of FOCUS on Global Resources highlights the projects selected for recognition in the 2017 Center for Research Libraries Primary Source Awards program. CRL created the program to promote understanding of the role of historical documentation and evidence in research and teaching. Identifying and recognizing innovative uses of primary sources helps CRL better support the practices and the needs of scholars today.

The projects featured here were selected from a competitive pool nominated by faculty and librarians at CRL institutions. CRL’s Collections and Services Policy Committee reviewed all submissions and identified the top projects in three areas: access, research, and teaching. The projects cited illustrate a variety of approaches to mining the primary evidence of history. This year we also recognize three projects for honorable mention.

We hope that the projects described here better enable librarians to support the excellent research and teaching being done throughout the CRL community. I hope that you will consider nominating a deserving colleague (or yourself) for the 2018 awards. Nominations are now open.