The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has voted at its Spring 2026 meeting to invite the libraries of Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to join the organization, effective July 1, 2026.
Maggie Farrell, dean of libraries at UNLV, and Lis Keith, dean of libraries at MSU, accepted the invitations. Farrell noted that joining ARL represents a milestone for UNLV as the first institution in Nevada to achieve this distinction. She indicated that the membership reflects UNLV’s growth as a Carnegie R1 institution and strengthens its capacity to advance research, scholarship, and innovation.
Keith stated that ARL membership affirms MSU Libraries’ commitment to providing resources, expertise, and vision expected of a leading research institution. She explained that the recognition aligns with MSU’s Strategic Plan for Transformational Change, which emphasizes research excellence, student success, community engagement, and innovation.
The approval of membership followed a comprehensive evaluation process that included both qualitative and quantitative assessments, campus site visits, recommendations from review teams, and analysis of library documentation. The ARL Membership Committee and the ARL Board endorsed the candidacies of both institutions.
Melissa Just, ARL president and dean of libraries at the University of Southern California, welcomed MSU and UNLV, noting that their addition strengthens the association by bringing two new states into its membership. Stanley Wilder, chair of the ARL Membership Committee and dean of libraries at Louisiana State University, emphasized that the association benefits from new members in the same way that new members benefit from joining ARL.
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