Committee on Education (COE)

Charge

To have responsibility for developing and recommending the Association’s policies related to the full spectrum of education for all library and information studies personnel. To assure that the Association actively solicits from its members information about the condition, currency, relevance, and type of education necessary to improve current and future library and information services. This information will be shared with the ALA Committee on Accreditation, the ALA membership and its units, and allied professional organizations. To coordinate recommendations and policies concerning education promulgated by ALA divisions, round tables, and other units to eliminate conflict or unnecessary duplication and to work closely with these units through the Education Assembly. To maintain communication and rapport nationally and internationally, as appropriate, with other organizations concerned with library and information studies. To represent the Association nationally and internationally to organizations and agencies outside the field of library and information studies that are concerned with professional education and staff preparation. To identify needed education initiatives in library and information studies and to help promote their accomplishments. To identify needed research concerning education for library and information studies and to help promote its accomplishment. To act as a clearinghouse of information on all aspects of education for library and information studies, for the profession and the public-at-large.

Roster

When you are logged in as an ALA member, the roster will display the committee members' contact information, in addition to their names, positions, and terms.

Committee on Education Roster

Public Posts from ALA Connect

Resources

ALA Standards for Library & Information Studies Education
Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
Congresses on Professional Education
Core Competences of Librarianship
Foreign Credentialing Task Force Report
Library Education Discussion Group
Library & Information Studies Human Resource Utilization (LISHRU) Policy
Library School Closings Task Force Report
Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program

Composition

The Committee on Education consists of nine members appointed from the membership at large serving two year staggered terms and led by chair, serving a one year term.

Assemblies

Library Education Assembly

Origin

Originally called the Standing Committee on Library Education (SCOLE), the Committee on Education (COE) was established by ALA Council in June, 1977, to become effective February 1, 1978, upon dissolution of the Library Education Division. It was renamed the Committee on Education at the 1995 Midwinter Meeting.

Get Involved

ALA values committed and active committee members. Qualified members are welcome to volunteer to serve on the Committee on Education. Committee members must have an interest in the work of the committee; be able to attend Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings to participate in the meetings and activities of the committee; and be able to work between conferences via e-mail and ALA Connect. Express your interest in serving on this or other committees by filling out an application form. Appointments take place once a year, during the spring. Committee service usually begins following Annual Conference, about July 1.