Why do researchers at some libraries discover and use more CRL collections than others? CRL institutions can raise scholars’ awareness of these valuable resources in a number of ways.

Exposure of CRL records is a key factor. CRL offers record loading at no charge with quarterly updates. The University of Florida had a 136% increase in CRL loan requests the first year after Florida libraries uploaded CRL records, and Florida International has seen persistent growth.

Records can also be loaded into a consortial catalog. The University of California libraries’ addition of CRL records to level 2 of WorldCat Local resulted in a marked increase in requests. CRL can also be indicated as a preferred ILL lender. Repeated patron access to CRL digitized materials has also increased markedly. Items digitized in-house as “digital delivery” to serve a loan request are retained and linked from the catalog records.

CRL libraries can also feature descriptions of CRL’s collections and services in their orientations for new faculty and library staff, and in bibliographic instruction for students. CRL collection brochures and customized fliers are available on request. Links from your library’s guides can point directly to sections of the CRL website describing specific resources or services. For more information, see Make the Most of Your CRL Membership.

CRL’s Outreach Services, headed by Mary Wilke, can work with researchers to help identify materials related to particular topics. Specific CRL collections programs and services tailored to researchers’ needs include Scholars’ Access and Demand Purchase.

For more information on CRL Collections and Services, attend our informative webinar on Wednesday, June 6, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Central Time. This event is a great way to familiarize new library staff and faculty with CRL resources; to update staff about collections, programs, and digitization activities; and to help CRL libraries increase the return on their investment in CRL.