CAUL is the peak leadership organization for university libraries in Australia and New Zealand. They represent the lead library executives of institutions that have representation on Universities Australia and Universities New Zealand. CAUL's vision is to transform society through the power of research, teaching, and learning.

As essential knowledge and information infrastructures, university libraries enable student achievement and research excellence. CAUL aims to position university libraries as vital infrastructure for teaching, learning, and research, advance open and equitable access to knowledge and information, and be an authority on the purpose, value, and impact of university libraries. They foster cooperative activity between university libraries in Australia and internationally and represent the interests of their members to government and other stakeholders.

CAUL offers a range of services and programs, including content procurement services, statistics services, and professional development services. They also facilitate communities of practice and hold the CAUL Awards to recognize excellence. With a rich history dating back to 1928, CAUL continues to connect and promote the common interests of university libraries, providing a forum for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing