Single Membership

Single membership is designed for leading institutions with extensive collections of early-printed books and manuscripts. Together, Single members directly support CERL’s mission by contributing to its databases, participating in working groups, and taking an active role in governance. Single Members also play a strategic role in shaping CERL’s future direction, ensuring that shared resources and expertise continue to benefit the wider community of libraries and researchers.

Single members pay a membership fee of €8,000 per annum.

If interested, Single members can support smaller libraries or institutions with limited resources in their region. Single Members can extend their membership to include up to fifteen Cluster Libraries at no additional cost, creating a hub of collaboration and shared benefit.

Benefits and application procedure for Single Members

Single Members actively shape governance and development of the organisation. They hold voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and may serve on the Board of Directors or committees. Each Single Member can nominate staff to join CERL’s Working Groups, jointly organise conferences and workshops, contribute data to CERL’s databases, and house their databases (link to page with conditions of housing database in CERL environment) in the CERL environment at cost.

They may also nominate one staff member to join CERL’s Security Network mailing list. Single Members can also share research, news, and institutional updates through CERL’s social media channels, newsletter, and website, connecting with their peers and enhancing their visibility within the European scholarly community.

Single Members can also nominate up to 15 smaller institutions as Cluster Libraries, extending CERL’s reach and supporting inclusivity across the consortium.

To apply for Single Membership, contact the CERL Secretariat to discuss eligibility and receive guidance.

Applicants submit a Letter of Application outlining their interest and commitment, signed and returned to the Secretariat. CERL can provide the Funding Agreement (available under Legal Documents) and a list of Consortium Members.

Once the Board of Directors approves the application and the first annual contribution is received, the institution becomes an active CERL Member. Single members are listed on the CERL website and in the company’s internal register.

The first commitment is for a period of three years. Single Membership renews automatically on an annual basis unless otherwise agreed upon. Renewal invoices are issued by the Secretariat.

Cluster Membership

Cluster Membership allows these smaller or specialised libraries to engage with CERL as part of a Single Member’s cluster. This category enables participation for institutions that may not have the resources for independent membership but wish to contribute to and benefit from CERL’s activities. Cluster Libraries gain access to the Consortium’s shared databases, services, and professional network.

Each Cluster Library is represented within CERL by its sponsoring Single Member, which coordinates communication, fees, and participation on its behalf. This partnership model ensures that smaller libraries are supported and connected within a wider European framework of collaboration.

Benefits and application procedure for Cluster Libraries

Cluster Libraries enjoy access to CERL’s shared knowledge and resources through their sponsoring Single Member. They can contribute data to CERL’s databases and share institutional updates through CERL’s communication channels. Each Cluster Library may nominate one staff member to the Security Network mailing list.

While they do not hold voting rights, Cluster Libraries benefit from inclusion in CERL’s collaborative activities, gaining visibility and opportunities to connect with other libraries with special collections across Europe.

Cluster libraries are warmly invited to explore Special or Group membership options by contacting the Secretariat.

Cluster Libraries cannot apply independently. The sponsoring Single Member manages all fees, documentation, and communication with the Secretariat. The sponsoring Single Member proposes the Cluster members. AGM participation is not expected for cluster libraries. Libraries interested in joining a cluster should coordinate with their prospective Single Member or contact the CERL Secretariat for guidance.

Cluster Libraries renew through their sponsoring Single Member, which manages the process with the Secretariat. For questions or assistance, contact the Company Secretary or your Single Member representative.