Group Membership is designed for networks of libraries that wish to join CERL collectively. Each group is represented by a Representative Library, which enters into a contract with CERL and handles all administrative responsibilities on behalf of the participating institutions. This includes overseeing construction of the group payment of the combined membership fee.

Structure and flexibility

Groups must consist of at least two institutions within the same country. Generally, only one national or regional library is permitted per group, unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors. Cluster libraries (subdivisions of existing single member institutions) are not allowed within group structures.

Each group has one collective vote at the Annual General Meeting (i.e. elections and the approval of finances). The group may nominate one representative for the Board of Directors per three-year term; only one representative from your group may serve on the Board of Directors at any given time. Group members are eligible to serve on CERL committees or as elected Directors.

Membership fees

The annual group fee is currently set at €8,000 for up to 16 institutions. The internal distribution of this cost is at the discretion of the group, and CERL may agree to adjusted fees under specific circumstances.

As a guideline, the annual cost per institution decreases with the number of members in the group. For example:

  • 8 institutions: €1,000 each
  • 16 institutions: €500 each

Please contact the CERL Secretariat to explore the best membership option for your library.

Benefits and application procedure for Group Membership

CERL Group Membership enables networks of regional or national libraries to join collectively, encouraging cooperative work and the exchange of expertise. By participating as a group through a designated representative institution, members support and gain shared access to CERL’s community and initiatives, while spreading the financial commitment across the participating libraries.

Applications for Group Membership result from contacts and consultations with the CERL Secretariat. A Group Membership is represented by one representative library or institution (paying the full annual fee for the group) and up to 15 participating institutions.

A Letter of Application to the CERL Secretariat should be submitted by the Representative Library on behalf of all participating institutions. Each application must include:

  • A brief profile of the group
  • The names of all participating institutions
  • Contact details for the nominated representative and group members

CERL can provide the Funding Agreement (available under Legal Documents) and a list of Consortium Members.

Once the application is received:

  1. The Secretary of CERL submits it to the Board of Directors for approval.
  2. Upon approval:
    • A Memorandum of Agreement on Group Membership is signed by both the CERL Secretary and the Representative Library.
    • An invoice for the first year’s membership fee is issued.
    • The Secretariat provides further information about the membership.
    • The group commits to paying the membership fee.

Groups are listed on the CERL website and in the company’s internal register.

The first commitment is for a period of three years. Group Membership renews automatically on an annual basis unless otherwise agreed upon. Annual membership fees are sent to the Group Representative in the Autumn of each year. Changes to the group’s composition must be communicated to the Secretariat and may require the approval of the Board of Directors.