The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) this week ranked Syracuse University Libraries in its highest position in history. The 2025 ranking of major North American research libraries positioned the Libraries at no. 47 out of 115 member libraries, rising six places from the previous year. This is the Libraries’ first time  in the ARL Top 50.

As an R-1 research institute, improvements in the Libraries’ ranking demonstrate the University’s commitment to research, teaching, learning and student success. The index is calculated based on total library expenditures, salaries and wages of professional staff, expenditures on collections and the number of library staff. Typically, universities with medical colleges rank highest on the index due to the expense and complexity of libraries’ medical resources.