Join SPARC
Thank you for your interest in a SPARC membership. Please fill in the form below, and a staff member will contact you shortly. Read below for more information on benefits of membership and membership options.
Please note at this time SPARC memberships are designed primarily for academic libraries at an organizational level. We do not offer membership to individuals.
Libraries join SPARC to be at the center of the global movement to create a more open system of sharing knowledge. As a catalyst for action, SPARC focuses on taking collaborative action to advance policies and practices that increase access and use of research outputs and educational materials.
Benefits of SPARC Membership
SPARC members are our organization’s heart and soul, setting the agenda and driving our vibrant programs forward. Participation in SPARC is a proven, effective way for members to leverage library resources to the fullest to achieve their missions as academic and research libraries.
SPARC membership will allow you to:
- Negotiate more effectively: access negotiations resources that provide a direct financial return on your SPARC membership and help transition toward open.
- Navigate a rapidly changing policy environment: understand the latest policy developments and ensure your library is well-positioned to support your campus.
- Access timely professional development: SPARC provides no-cost professional development to stay current in a constantly evolving scholcomm environment.
- Save students money: leverage SPARC’s research, policy advocacy, and strategic support to advance textbook affordability on your campus.
- Accelerate change: through our members’ support, SPARC has been at the forefront of driving concrete change to advance open research and open education.
Become a member of SPARC today to add your—and your library’s—voice to the growing call for a more open system of sharing knowledge.
"For librarians who want to initiate positive change in the scholarly communications system, SPARC is the source of colleagues, support, information, and inspiration. I see membership in SPARC as an investment in the future of higher education." - Diane Graves, Former University Librarian, Trinity University
Options for SPARC Membership
SPARC membership is open to North American and international academic and research institutions that share an interest in creating a more open and diverse environment for scholarly communication. We do not offer individual memberships at this time.
To join now, please complete the SPARC membership form above or contact Val Hollister directly at [email protected].
Annual membership runs for a calendar year and is available in the following categories. All rates are effective as of June 2023.
Full Voting Membership Dues:
In addition to the other member benefits, voting members participate in the governance of SPARC, including eligibility to serve on the SPARC Steering Committee and provide direct input on SPARC’s strategic direction.
- US-based institutions: $8,325 USD per year
- Canadian-based institutions: $7,875 USD per year
- Two-year institutions (single campus): $800 USD per year
- International Supporting Member: $1,500 USD per year
Open to all non-North American academic institutions and independent research libraries. Institutions in Africa, the U.K. and Europe, or Japan should contact the appropriate SPARC regional affiliate.
Non-Voting Membership Dues:
- Affiliate Member: Dues: $8,325 USD per year
Open to academic and professional associations, institutions, and societies with memberships comprising libraries, educational institutions, or scholars and researchers. (Affiliate status is subject to approval by the SPARC Steering Committee based upon a determination of the organization’s compatibility with the interests, values, and goals of SPARC.)
Please note that if a prospective member is interested in becoming a member and has specific budgetary constraints, please contact Val Hollister <[email protected]> and we will do our best to develop a discounted membership option.