Library Science Research Guide

About SPEC Kits

SPEC Kits were surveys and reports published by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) from 1973-2018.

"The Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) is a clearinghouse operated by the Association of Research Libraries, Office of Management Studies that provides a central source of timely information and materials on the management and operations of large academic and research libraries."

Finding SPEC Kits

Reports were produced 10x/year, and illustrated how select ARL members were planning for or dealing with particular issues.

• 1973-2005 (Kits 1-291) are generally available on HathiTrust, though the search interface can be difficult. Search the title of the report and year, not the kit number.
  • Example of SPEC Kit 114
• 2006-2018 (Kits 292-361) are available on the ARL website.
  • List of SPEC Kits on ARL website
• SPEC kits were discontinued at the end of 2018.