While the mission of research libraries remains constant, the nature of research libraries and what they do is changing. Research libraries are taking on new roles in digital scholarship, data management, and scholarly communications. More than ever, libraries know they must align their mission with the objectives of key stakeholders. This article highlights the valuable nature of associations in providing safe, collegial spaces for dialogue and experimentation, for agreement on shared agendas, and for initiatives to be piloted. It presents how the Association of Research Libraries delivers and seeks to provide even greater value to its members, research libraries, and the broader research ecosystem.