Many major microform sets and multi-volume print publications are either too costly for most institutions to acquire, or are not readily available on interlibrary loan from holding libraries. Each year, CRL purchases microform and published print collections nominated by member libraries. CRL invites representatives of CRL voting member libraries to nominate collections, and then vote on the nominations to determine which items CRL acquires.

All CRL voting member libraries may nominate collections for purchase under this program. As a result of last year's voting, six major microfilm collections were approved for purchase, with a total list price value of $138,643. These included the Dutch underground publication Metro,1944 (right).

The deadline for FY18 Purchase Proposal nominations is September 30, 2017.

For more information on the Purchase Proposal Program see the Cooperative Collection Building section of CRL's website. CRL has also posted a short “how-to” video on its YouTube channel outlining the steps for purchase proposal nominations and voting.