CRIARL was founded in 1972. It was incorporated as a Rhode Island non-profit corporation and granted IRS tax-exempt status as a 501(c)3 organization in 1979. Reliant upon the efforts of volunteers for the fulfillment of its mission, it exists to promote cooperation among its members in strengthening library services and resources available to the academic and research community of Rhode Island. CRIARL serves a large and varied community with diverse information needs.
In collaboration with one another, CRIARL member libraries:
- Provide access to their unique collections and information resources;
- Provide a forum for CRIARL Board members to meet regularly and share the work of the consortium; and
- Partner with other organizations which likewise seek to serve the academic and research community.