Association of Research Libraries

ARL Statistics is a series of annual publications that describe the collections, expenditures, staffing, and service activities for ARL member libraries. Statistics have been collected and published annually for the members of the Association since 1961-62.

Prior to 1961-62, annual statistics for university libraries were collected by James Gerould, first at the University of Minnesota and later at Princeton. These data cover the years 1907-08 through 1961-62 and are now called the Gerould statistics (first edition). The complete data series from 1908 to the present represents the oldest and most comprehensive continuing library statistical series in North America. Printed copies are available from the ARL Publications Program.

The ARL Statistics series includes the Academic Health Sciences Library Statistics, the Academic Law Library Statistics, the ARL Preservation Statistics, the ARL Supplementary Statistics, and the University & Library Total Expenditures.