This issue of FOCUS on Global Resources highlights the projects selected for recognition in 2019 by the Center for Research Libraries Primary Source Awards program. CRL created the program to promote understanding of the role primary historical documentation and evidence play 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 selected projects this year that stand out in two areas: access and research. The projects cited illustrate a variety of approaches to mining the primary evidence of history.

We hope that the projects described here better enable librarians to support in-depth research and inspired teaching in the CRL community. CRL welcomes nominations of deserving colleagues (and self-nominations) for the 2020 awards. Nominations are now open.