Benefits and Discounts

ACRL is the leading resource for the academic and research library community. Our members have access to a wide array of benefits that increase their knowledge and expertise while building a network of peers necessary to support a successful career in the field. Learn more about all your ACRL membership has to offer.

Keeping Current | Community |  AdvancementSupport for the Profession | Discounts | ALA Benefits |
ACRL and ALA Organizational Member Benefits


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Keep Current

ACRL keeps you up-to-date on trends and developments in the field by delivering the highest quality products and services to help you sharpen your skills and discover new approaches to your work.

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College & Research Libraries

College & Research Libraries (C&RL) is the official bi-monthly, online-only, open access scholarly research journal of ACRL. C&RL publishes research articles in all fields of interest and concern to academic and research librarians along with book reviews and cutting-edge editorials and essays.

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C&RL News

College & Research Libraries News (C&RL News) is the official newsmagazine and publication of record of ACRL, providing articles on the latest trends and practices affecting academic and research libraries. C&RL News is available freely online.

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RBM

RBM: A Journal of Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Cultural Heritage is ACRL's journal covering issues pertaining to special collections libraries and cultural heritage institutions. RBM is freely available online through ACRL's open access publishing program and by subscription in print.

As part of your membership you'll also receive the bi-weekly ACRL Update email newsletter, featuring up-to-date information on association activities, and Keeping Up With..., our online current awareness publication. Your membership also directly supports our open access publishing program along with our free online survey and outcomes measurement toolkit Project Outcome for Academic Libraries.

“Thank you ACRL for connecting librarians to information, research, advocacy, news, and all of the good stuff that arrives in our feeds and inboxes.” ~ Amy J. Barlow, ACRL member since 2008


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Community

ACRL members are part of a  welcoming, supportive community that nurtures individual development and fosters a deeper connection to the profession. It is this network that sets ACRL members apart and creates a support system for a career and a lifetime. Members have an opportunity to grow their network of like-minded professionals by becoming involved in  ACRL sections, interest groups, and discussion groups. Learn more about the impact of being a part of our communities from past ACRL Library Marketing and Outreach Interest Group Co-Converor Sabine Dantus.

ACRL communities provide specialized newsletters and discussion lists, along with sponsoring programming at the ALA Annual Conference. Our members gain crucial leadership experience, make valuable connections, and build ties with colleagues around the world.


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Advancement Opportunities

Influence the field and advance your career through publishing, presenting, scholarship opportunities, and mentoring.

Learn more.


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Support for the Profession

ACRL and its members help academic and research libraries pursue a broad agenda, ensuring that their roles are understood, valued, and protected across academia. ACRL enables the higher education community to better understand the role that academic and research libraries play in the teaching, learning, and research environments. Your membership enables ACRL to advocate for our shared values in a variety of ways.

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Issues and Advocacy

ACRL focuses program and advocacy efforts on four major areas that capitalize on our strengths, deliver high member value, and heighten our collective impact - the Value of Academic Libraries, Student Learning, Research and Scholarly Environment, and New Roles and Changing Landscapes - along with our core commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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Standards, Guidelines, and Frameworks

ACRL is the source that the higher education community looks to for standards, guidelines, and frameworks on academic libraries. Our members develop  a variety of standards, guidelines, and frameworks to help libraries, academic institutions, and accrediting agencies understand the components of an excellent library.

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Toolkits, White Papers, and Reports

Your membership supports the development of a variety of toolkits along with white papers and research reports to support the work of the profession. These resources focus on topics such as the Value of Academic Libraries, Scholarly Communication, Information Literacy, and using our Standards, Guidelines, and Frameworks.

“I value ACRL’s national and international leadership in promoting the value of academic and research libraries. I appreciate the fact that ACRL is helping us think strategically about the future." ~ Clem Guthro, ACRL member since 2000


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Discounts

As a member of ACRL, you'll receive discounts on the products, services, and events you need to stay up-to-date.

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ACRL Conferences

As an ACRL member, you'll receive a significant discount on registration for the ACRL Conference, the premier event for the academic and research library community. Join us April 2-5, 2025, in Minneapolis for the ACRL 2025 Conference!

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Publications

ACRL members save 10% on our wide range of books written by and for academic and research librarians. Use your discount when you purchase ACRL titles from the ALA Store or in-person at ALA conferences and events.

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Online Learning

Your membership also comes with discounted registration for ACRL online courses and webcasts. Our Online Learning program provides a unique opportunity to participate in professional development events that are focused on a variety of practical, tangible topics.


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ALA Benefits

Your ACRL membership includes all the benefits of ALA membership, including American Libraries magazine, discounts on registration to the ALA Annual Conference, professional advocacy from the Office of Intellectual Freedom and Office for Public Policy and Advocacy, and ALA's Member Value Programs (MVP) which offer external benefits such as car insurance, pet insurance, and even savings on car rentals.


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Organizational Member Benefits

Magnify support for academic libraries and receive access to valuable professional resources for your organization's staff. As an ACRL Organizational Member, you'll receive:

In addition, through organizational membership in ALA, your library gains a unique opportunity to have its concerns clearly heard at the national level. Learn more about ALA Organizational Membership Benefits!