The membership of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) voted at its Spring 2026 Association Meeting to invite the libraries of Mississippi State University (MSU) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to join ARL, effective July 1, 2026.
Maggie Farrell, dean of libraries at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Lis Keith, dean of libraries at Mississippi State University, accepted the invitations from ARL.
“We are thrilled to join ARL and proud to be the first institution in Nevada to achieve this distinction. This milestone reflects UNLV’s continued growth as a Carnegie R1 Institution and the essential role our University Libraries play in supporting that research mission,” said UNLV University Libraries Dean Farrell. “ARL membership connects us to a global network of leading research libraries, strengthening our capacity to advance research, scholarship, and innovation at UNLV and beyond.”
“ARL membership affirms that MSU Libraries provide the resources, expertise, and vision expected of a leading research institution that is deeply committed to expanding access, supporting discovery, and advancing solutions that matter,” said MSU Libraries Dean Lis Keith. “This recognition aligns directly with MSU’s Strategic Plan for Transformational Change, which calls on us to elevate research excellence, expand student success, deepen community engagement, and lead with innovation. Our library faculty and staff embody these goals every day, and we are honored to join ARL’s distinguished association of research libraries and look forward to contributing to the collaborative work that drives meaningful and lasting impact.”
The vote to approve the membership of Mississippi State University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas followed a review of the libraries that considered both qualitative and quantitative data, a site visit to each campus, site visit team recommendations, library documentation, and an ARL Membership Committee review. The ARL Membership Committee and the ARL Board enthusiastically supported both institutions’ candidacy for membership.
“We are pleased to welcome Mississippi State University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas to membership in ARL,” said ARL President Melissa Just (13LFP Fellow), dean of libraries, University of Southern California. “MSU and UNLV bring two new states into the Association’s membership, strengthening us as a collective. We look forward to their participation in the Association’s work.”
“The Association is made stronger by new members in the same way new members are made stronger by the Association,” said ARL Membership Committee Chair Stanley Wilder (04LFP Fellow), dean of libraries, Louisiana State University.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit membership organization of research libraries and archives in major public and private universities, federal government agencies, and large public institutions in Canada and the US. ARL champions research libraries and archives, develops visionary leaders, and shapes policy for the equitable advancement of knowledge.
About Mississippi State University Libraries
MSU Libraries advance the university’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, and service. The libraries support a growing research enterprise through robust collections, digital scholarship services, and a strong commitment to open access and data-informed research. Through technology-rich, student-centered spaces, including 24/7 learning environments, and integrated services such as advising, writing support, and undergraduate research, the libraries play a vital role in student success. The libraries also steward nationally significant special collections, including the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana. Committed to innovation, student success, and global impact, MSU Libraries are a key partner in advancing research and scholarship at the land-grant university.
About University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries
UNLV University Libraries advance student success, research, and community engagement by connecting people with knowledge, technology, and expertise. The Libraries provide access to extensive physical and digital collections, expert research support, and innovative learning environments across five locations: Lied Library, Architecture Studies Library, Teacher Development & Resources Library, Music Library, and the School of Medicine Library. From Special Collections & Archives documenting the history of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada to hands-on and immersive spaces such as the Makerspace, Multimedia Studios, and Dreamscape Learn, the Libraries foster discovery, creativity, and academic achievement for a diverse and growing research community.
