The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) is a national nonprofit organization established in 1976 that represents Canada's major research libraries. It is composed of 29 leading university libraries, along with prominent federal institutions such as Library and Archives Canada and the National Research Council of Canada’s National Science Library. CARL supports and advocates for the collective interests of its members, which play a critical role in advancing research and higher education across Canada.

History

CARL originated in 1972 as a section of the Canadian Association of College and University Libraries. In 1975, 29 research libraries convened in Ottawa and resolved to form an independent association dedicated to academic research libraries. The official launch of CARL occurred in 1976 at its inaugural membership meeting in Regina. Since its formation, CARL has expanded its membership, including Brock University’s library in 2009 and Toronto Metropolitan University’s library (formerly Ryerson) in 2010. The Library of Parliament was a member from 1999 to 2012. CARL gained federal incorporation as a nonprofit corporation in 1981 and registered charity status in 1984.

Mission and Strategic Focus

CARL’s mission is to provide leadership on behalf of Canada's research libraries and enhance their capacity to advance research and higher education. The association promotes sustainable knowledge creation, dissemination, and preservation while advocating for public policies that ensure broad access to scholarly information. Guided by its Strategic Focus (2022–2025), CARL aims to:

• Advance the research enterprise
• Strengthen libraries’ collective resource capacity
• Demonstrate the evolving contributions of libraries
• Advocate for a policy environment that preserves and expands access to scholarship and knowledge

Membership

CARL’s membership consists primarily of Canada’s most significant academic libraries, each represented by their university librarians or directors. Beyond the 29 academic members, federal libraries such as Library and Archives Canada and the National Science Library are also members. This network supports collaboration, professional development, shared resources, and collective advocacy initiatives, enabling member libraries to improve services that support research and learning.

Governance and Operations

CARL operates as a federally incorporated non-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. A dedicated professional staff team manages the implementation of CARL’s strategic initiatives and supports member activities to enhance the research capacity of Canadian libraries.

Through its collaborative leadership and advocacy, CARL plays a vital role in shaping and sustaining Canada’s research library landscape, helping ensure that these institutions continue to provide access to essential scholarly information and resources needed for research and higher education excellence.

Business Registration Number: 118829548RR0001

Website: www.carl-abrc.ca

Note: This article is based on information current as of 2024 and reflects the organization’s structure, mission, and activities as reported by its official communications and documents.[1][2][3]