The primary purpose for library and information resources is to support teaching, learning, and if applicable, research in ways consistent with, and supportive of, the institution's mission and goals. Adequate library and information resources and services, at the appropriate level for degrees offered, are available to support the intellectual, cultural, and technical development of students enrolled in courses and programs wherever located and however delivered.

The Portland State University Library's primary mission is to support instruction and facilitate learning at Portland State University, and to provide resources for research and advanced study at the University. The Library is also a resource for the information needs of the community at large.

With a collection of over one million volumes, the Branford P. Millar Library is the largest academic library in the Portland metropolitan area. Founded in 1946, the Library has grown over the years to rank among the top 20 percent of college and University libraries in the country. The Library contains scholarly materials in forms that range from a 1632 edition of Galileo's Dialogo to the largest digital databases. The Library’s collections, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and information services are vital resources easily available to other educational institutions, business and professional organizations, and the general public.

Several planning groups were created by the University Librarian in the late 1990s to examine services and space. The recommendations of these groups were integrated into the creation of a Research & Learning Center in 2000-2001. With a new emphasis on Reference & Information Services and Instructional Services, the Library is actively involved in reaching out to academic and community users. Collections are built through the faculty Library Advisory Committee and individual or program requests handled by library subject specialists.

Librarians collaborate with faculty to create customized learning experiences for students, and teach classes to improve information literacy. Information services and resources are organized to facilitate access.