# NorthEast Research Libraries

> consortium of academic research libraries in the United States

**Wikidata**: [Q27991317](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27991317)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/northeast-research-libraries

## Summary
NorthEast Research Libraries (NERL) is a consortium of academic research libraries in the United States, founded in 1996. It serves as a collaborative network for libraries, focusing on shared resources, research support, and digital initiatives.

## Key Facts
- Founded in July 1996
- Initially sponsored by Yale University Library (1996–2013)
- Currently sponsored by the Center for Research Libraries (since 2013)
- Headquartered in Chicago (since 2013), previously in New Haven
- Member of the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC)
- Part of Project COUNTER since 2002
- Has 3 employees (as of 2025)
- Official website: [nerl.org](http://www.nerl.org)
- Short name: NERL
- Classified as a research institute, organization, and library consortium

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of NorthEast Research Libraries?
A: NERL is a consortium of academic research libraries in the United States, established to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and digital initiatives among member institutions.

### Q: Who sponsors NorthEast Research Libraries?
A: NERL was initially sponsored by Yale University Library from 1996 to 2013. Since 2013, it has been sponsored by the Center for Research Libraries.

### Q: Where is NorthEast Research Libraries located?
A: NERL's headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois, since 2013. Previously, it was based in New Haven.

### Q: How many employees does NorthEast Research Libraries have?
A: As of 2025, NERL has 3 employees.

### Q: Is NorthEast Research Libraries part of any larger organizations?
A: Yes, NERL is a member of the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) and Project COUNTER.

## Why It Matters
NorthEast Research Libraries plays a crucial role in the academic research community by providing a collaborative platform for libraries across the United States. By fostering shared resources and digital initiatives, NERL supports scholars, researchers, and institutions in accessing and utilizing scholarly materials more efficiently. Its membership in organizations like ICOLC and Project COUNTER further enhances its impact in the library and information science field. The consortium's evolution from Yale University Library to the Center for Research Libraries reflects its adaptability and commitment to serving the needs of academic libraries nationwide.

## Notable For
- Being a founding member of ORCID, Inc.
- Serving as a key participant in Project COUNTER since 2002.
- Transitioning its headquarters from New Haven to Chicago in 2013.
- Maintaining a small but dedicated staff of 3 employees.
- Providing a centralized platform for academic research libraries to collaborate and share resources.

## Body
### Overview
NorthEast Research Libraries (NERL) is a consortium of academic research libraries in the United States, established in July 1996. It serves as a collaborative network for libraries, focusing on shared resources, research support, and digital initiatives.

### Sponsorship and Leadership
NERL was initially sponsored by Yale University Library from 1996 to 2013. Since 2013, it has been sponsored by the Center for Research Libraries. This transition reflects the consortium's commitment to broader academic library collaboration.

### Location and Structure
NERL's headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois, since 2013. Previously, it was based in New Haven. The consortium operates with a small staff of 3 employees, as of 2025.

### Membership and Affiliations
NERL is a member of the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) and Project COUNTER. Its participation in Project COUNTER since 2002 highlights its role in advancing library resource management and usage statistics.

### Digital Initiatives and Collaboration
As a research institute and library consortium, NERL supports digital initiatives and resource sharing among its member libraries. Its official list of members is available on its website, providing transparency and access to institutional collaboration.

### Identification and Classification
NERL is classified as a research institute, organization, and library consortium. It is identified by various IDs, including ROR ID (0435xdk58), GRID ID (grid.431124.1), and Ringgold ID (42263). These identifiers reflect its status as a recognized entity in the academic library community.

## References

1. [Source](https://orcid.org/members/001G000001qj78OIAQ-nerl-northeast-research-libraries)
2. GRID Release 2017-05-22
3. [Source](https://icolc.net/participating-consortia)
4. [Source](https://nerl.org/about-nerl/)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20191127082323/https://icolc.net/consortia)
7. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20231222085310/https://icolc.net/participating-consortia)
8. [Source](http://nerl.org/about-nerl/)
9. Czech National Authority Database