CRIARL is a consortium of 21 academic and research libraries. Member libraries vary considerably in terms of mission, collection scope and size, staff size, and governance.

The mission of CRIARL is to promote cooperation and communication among the academic and research libraries of Rhode Island, to improve through collaboration the library services and resources of its members, and to work closely with appropriate agencies in pursuit of related goals.  

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.

The Government Documents Committee ensures statewide public access to government publications, maintains librarian awareness of government publication guidelines and administration, and provides a forum for sharing best practices in government documents librarianship.

About Us 

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.