The Library is a central pillar in the Institute's research activities and, to ensure its vitality in the decades to come, the Library Committee has formulated a number of long-term strategic objectives.

The first objective is the curatorial preservation of a unique collection of original materials relating to Canada's military heritage. The importance of this material – to both the Institute and to Canadian military history – cannot be understated, as some of this collection exist in no other locations in Canada. Given our limited resources, and need to prioritize our efforts, the Institute will focus on five main areas: (i) Pre-Confederation Period; (ii) Post-Confederation to World War I Period; (iii) World War I; (iv) World War II; (v) Korean War; (vi) Worldwide military literature.

The Library also has a number of objectives for its modernization, to bring this historic institution into the 21st century. One of the top short-term objectives is the computerization of the Library catalogue, which will act as a solid and necessary foundation for further Library development. Fundraising for this project is underway, and the project is planned to commence in early 2005.