Home — Association of Research Libraries Overview & Contact Data

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a professional organization that represents large academic and research libraries in North America. Its website serves as a hub for library leaders, research librarians, metadata librarians, and information professionals who work in university libraries, medical libraries, and specialized research collections. ARL focuses on the research information environment, including scholarly publishing, open access, open data, digital collections, licensing, copyright, and the infrastructure that supports research and teaching. ARL’s members include major university libraries and research institutions, and the organization provides guidance, research, and programming that help libraries navigate changes in publishing, funding, technology, and user expectations. The site highlights ARL activities, conference opportunities, publications, and initiatives aimed at strengthening library services and scholarly communication. It is a useful resource for librarians seeking current policy information, peer collaboration, and practical context for decisions affecting access to journals, data, and digital resources. The organization is notable for its role in connecting the library community with funders, publishers, technologists, and academic stakeholders. ARL’s work often centers on advocacy for sustainable access, equitable and enduring information environments, and the long-term preservation of research materials. For professionals searching for library leadership perspectives, research library trends, or information about library congress and annual conference activities, the site offers a centralized source of news, projects, and professional development. ARL’s emphasis on scholars’ needs now and in the future makes it relevant to institutions that support graduate education, biomedical research, STEM fields, and the humanities. For a Rochester librarian at the University of Rochester, or for any academic librarian evaluating open access, data services, or collection strategy, ARL provides a shared reference point. The website presents ARL as a collaborative body for institutions that want to align library strategy with the evolving needs of researchers, students, and public users.