The Centre for Newfoundland Studies (CNS) was founded in 1965 by the Memorial University Libraries with the mandate to collect all published materials relating to Newfoundland and Labrador; to offer library services such as a reading room, reference service and reproduction service; to preserve the collection for future generations; and to prepare bibliographies as its contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) scholarship.

The CNS is located on Level 3 of the Queen Elizabeth II Library on the St. John’s Campus. It is open to all members of the university and of the general public.