The Association of Research Libraries (ARL), established in 1932 and comprising 126 member libraries from research-intensive institutions, plays a pivotal role in convening, shaping, and influencing systemic change within the academic and research library sector. During the October 2021 update, ARL leadership outlined key 2021-2022 priorities, including public policy advocacy, efforts to ensure enduring and barrier-free access to information, and initiatives around leadership practice, data analytics, diversity, equity and inclusion, and member engagement. Notable advocacy actions addressed federal scientific integrity policies, digital rights, and copyright education, while forthcoming activities aimed to tackle open access publishing, research data management, and cross-border lending in line with international treaties.
ARL’s enduring commitment to equitable information access is demonstrated through collaborative projects and policy statements advocating for transparency, open science, and evolving negotiation frameworks with publishers. Supported by multiple NSF grants, ARL is undertaking empirical research to inform best practices for public access to research data and cost modeling in data sharing across various academic disciplines and institutions. Looking ahead, ARL recognizes the importance of forging consensus on sustainable economic models, investing in necessary infrastructure and skills, and fostering organizational leadership equipped to navigate the evolving research information landscape in a manner that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
