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About CARL

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) was established in 1976 and consists of 29 major Canadian academic libraries, as well as Library and Archives Canada, the National Research Council of Canada’s National Science Library, and the Library of Parliament.

Guided by our Strategic Focus (2022-2025), CARL advances the research enterprise, strengthens libraries’ collective resource capacity, ensures that the contributions of libraries are both evident and continually evolving, and articulates and advocates for a policy environment that fosters and preserves access to scholarship and knowledge.

CARL is incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Act. Its dedicated staff members support the association’s mission and ensure the effective implementation of its strategic initiatives.

Our Mission

CARL provides leadership on behalf of Canada’s research libraries and enhances capacity to advance research and higher education. It promotes effective and sustainable knowledge creation, dissemination, and preservation, and advocates for public policy that enables broad access to scholarly information.

Membership

CARL’s membership includes Canada’s major university and research libraries, each represented by their respective university librarians or directors. Members benefit from being part of a collaborative network that provides opportunities for professional development, shared resources, and collective advocacy efforts. This network enables member libraries to enhance their services and support for research and learning.

Governance

CARL is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of directors from member libraries. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing financial management, and ensuring the organization’s policies align with its mission and vision. The governance structure is designed to ensure that CARL remains responsive to the needs of its members and the broader academic community.

Committees

CARL’s work is supported by several committees, each focusing on specific areas such as policy advocacy, research support, teaching and learning enhancement, and capacity building. These committees consist of experts from member libraries who contribute their knowledge and expertise to advance CARL’s mission​.

Awards

To recognize outstanding contributions to the field of research librarianship, CARL offers several awards, including the Distinguished Service Award and the CARL Award of Merit. These awards celebrate individuals and institutions that have made significant impacts on the research library community and the broader academic landscape​.

Partners and Relations

CARL maintains partnerships with various organizations to enhance its impact and foster collaboration across the research and academic communities. These relationships provide additional resources and support for member libraries, enabling them to better serve their communities and fulfill their missions​.

CARL Backgrounder Documents