The libraries of the Cambridge colleges are an integral part of information provision across the University. They are a welcoming space for all members to use throughout their time at the college, and they make a core contribution to the collegial ethos and culture. Skilled librarians, archivists and other information professionals offer support for learning, teaching, and research, aligned with the strategic priorities specific to their own autonomous college in the following key areas:

• Teaching and learning collections: developing collections (including print books, print journals and a variety of other materials in a range of formats) to support student learning within the college, working closely with the college’s academic members to meet and anticipate teaching needs. Working with the University Library, and Faculty and Departmental libraries, to develop and support centrally-purchased collections (print and electronic journals, electronic books and other electronic resources).
• Study space: providing inviting and well-equipped multidisciplinary spaces that are conducive to study within the college community.
• Services: offering responsive, accessible and inclusive services tailored to the teaching, learning and research needs of college members.
• Academic skills: signposting, and in many cases delivering, inclusive multidisciplinary study and research skills support within the college, as part of a network of academic skills educators in colleges and across the University.
• Pastoral support: playing an important role in the network of pastoral support provided to students by colleges, supporting student wellbeing through provision of resources, signposting and via referrals to and from other members of the support networks in the college community and in the wider University.
• Special collections: expertly managing and caring for the college’s unique heritage collections, and facilitating their use for teaching, research, and outreach within Cambridge and across the wider scholarly community.
• Collaborative activities: working closely in collaboration with the Cambridge libraries network and across the sector to establish policy, develop standards, and improve services; working beyond libraries to contribute to the wider activities of the collegiate University.

Cambridge College Libraries Forum, June 2025.