CRL provides materials from its collections in digital format where possible in order to improve access to essential primary sources for research and teaching.  All CRL-hosted digital content derived from source materials in the public domain (or for which CRL has secured the requisite rights and permissions) are available on an open access basis without restriction.

All materials digitized from CRL collections can be discovered through CRL’s online catalog; selected distinct collections are listed on CRL’s Digital Collections page as well. The materials are also discoverable in WorldCat and various web-scale library discovery services. Many CRL libraries load copies of records locally for digitized CRL materials.

Digital Delivery

CRL generates nearly one million pages in digital format annually from its print and microform collections, primarily in response to requests from member libraries for the loan of materials.

Collaborative Digitization

On a systematic basis CRL supports digitization of materials held  by CRL along with other resources identified as falling within CRL’s areas of collecting focus, including newspapers, primary legal and government publications, and other materials for research in area and international studies.

Access and Permitted Uses

CRL digital files may be used for personal educational and research purposes only. Various additional rights restrictions on the original source materials may apply.

Technical Specifications  

CRL creates derivative digital files for access purposes from the best available copies. In almost every instance, original source materials, whether paper or microform, are retained and available for rescanning when necessary and appropriate.