Association of Research Libraries (ARL®)

Ken Frazier (Wisconsin)
Jack Siggins (George Washington)
Sue Martin (Task Force on External Accreditation)

Overview

Over the past two years ARL has been represented in discussions about the future of professional education in library and information studies. Sharon Hogan represented ARL interest at the first and second ALA Congress of Professional Education. Susan Martin and Jack Siggins represented ARL in the ALA ad hoc Task Force on External Accreditation. Many other ARL leaders have been active in these discussions as well. Earlier this year the ALA ad hoc Task Force released a report to test the desirability and feasibility of creating a new organization external to the American Library Association to be officially responsible for the policy and structure of accreditation of programs of professional education in library and information studies. During the spring of 2001, the Task Force secured letters of support for the proposal from SLA, MLA, AALL, SAA, ASIST, CLA, and ALISE. Only ARL and the Urban Libraries Council have declined to support this proposal.

Last February the ARL Board discussed the pros and cons of accreditation, the proposed structure for an accrediting body, and what role ARL should play in such a body. Ultimately the Board decided not to endorse allocation of ARL funds (estimated at $24,000 a year) to support the proposed organization, but expressed interest in finding ways for ARL to contribute to the future improvement of library education. In May and July, the Board revisited the issue and ultimately proposed this membership discussion of the role played by external accreditation in achieving high quality library education.

Questions open for discussion include:

1. Professional schools (business and engineering for example) are moving away from accreditation. Is it time for libraries to consider a new model for educational preparation? Why are we considering a proposal to address an old model?

2. Without accreditation, how would we develop a professional culture for librarianship? There is a perception that the fields of business, engineering, and IT all suffer from a lack of professional ethics and leadership training. Accreditation may need a fresh look but isn't the process itself important for contributing to professional standards and culture?

3. How would the proposed new process for accrediting library schools change the outcome? Would the schools produce higher quality graduates? Change the curriculum? What difference would changing the process make?

4. Is it appropriate for an association like ARL, with institutional members, to support an organization to accredit institutions, many of which are ARL members?

5. Does ARL wish to have an active voice in deciding how library schools are evaluated and accredited? Are we willing to help fund such an enterprise? If so, how much is the membership willing to have ARL contribute and how should ARL pay for it?