Brief History and Statement of Purpose

ACRL New England Chapter began officially just over 30 years ago, when it was approved by the
ACRL Board at the 1972 ALA annual meeting. The purpose of the Chapter since the beginning has
been to provide academic and research librarians opportunities for professional growth by providing
workshops and conferences as well as a network of colleagues for consultation and collaboration.
Since the early 1990s there has been an effort to encourage library support staff to participate in the
organization.

The following mission statement states succinctly the goals and values of the organization:

"The objectives of the Chapter shall be to provide opportunities for the professional
growth of academic and research librarians by conducting workshops and arranging
programs in the various [geographic] areas of the region to encourage the exchange
of ideas and information relating to library developments; to disseminate educational
information oriented to academic and research libraries; and to support and participate
in programs of other regional and local organizations in New England when appropriate,
in order to promote and improve library service to the academic research community."