The Acquisitions and Rapid Cataloging (ARC) Department was formed in September 2007 as the production center for print materials at NUL.  ARC acquires and copy catalogs print serials and monographs, providing prompt access to these materials.

Members of ARC order, receive, check-in, claim, and pay for new library materials in various formats for locations throughout the Main Library and other libraries on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. The Department is also responsible for cataloging those items with existing copy (called copy cataloging), as well as processing, added volumes, added copies, and RUMs (Request for Uncataloged Materials).