In early 2005, CURL and The British Library commissioned CHEMS Consulting to conduct a study into storage space in UK research libraries, particularly those in Higher Education.

CHEMS Consulting reported that there is already a significant shortage of storage space, and this will increase substantially over the next ten years. CHEMS also examined possible solutions to the problem, and recommended that a collaborative approach, the creation of a 'national research reserve' hosted by the British Library, would be in the best interests of all stakeholders.

In December 2005 CURL and The British Library held an event, open to researchers and all library and information sectors, to consult the community about the report. Participants strongly supported the recommended option and that further work be carried out to explore its feasibility. Detailed consideration of the issues and consultation with the research community was undertaken through a Task Force, chaired by Helen Hayes (Vice Principal for Knowledge Management and Librarian, University of Edinburgh).

Phase 1 of the UK Research Reserve (UKRR) project ran from January 2007 to August 2008 and following its success, HEFCE agreed to fund Phase Two. UKRR Phase Two was launch officially in February 2009 and is aiming to expand the programme to involve more HE libraries