California Academic and Research Libraries (CARL) is a non-profit organization made up of passionate library professionals, students, and supporters who believe in the important work, output, and services provided by academic and research libraries. CARL exists as a point of contact through which members can find and build communities of learning and professional development. 

CARL’s first annual conference took place back in 1993, very shortly after splitting from CLA to form CARL. Since the year 2000, CARL has held its conferences every other year on a variety of themes and topics. 

CARL is an independent chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries.