Resources for LIS program administrators

Addressing the ALA Standards

Implementing and Documenting Compliance with the 2015 Standards for Accreditation Guidance for programs on implementing and documenting compliance with the 2015 Standards for Accreditation, compiled by members of the Committee on Accreditation.

Interpreting 2015 Standard II: Curriculum transcription of a presentation given by Elizabeth Aversa (2016-17 COA Chair and Professor Emerita and Director, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alabama) at the External Review Panelist training session, held during the 2017 ALA Annual Conference on June 23, 2017, Hilton Chicago.

Outcomes assessment resources Links to a variety of approaches to outcomes-based assessment. Throughout the Standards, the requirements for evaluation include assessments, not only of educational processes and resources, but also of the successful use of those processes and resources to achieve established objectives expressed as student learning outcomes.

Student Learning Outcome Assessment: A Program’s Perspective (ppt) From a presentation by Ling Hwey Jeng, Director, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman's University, given on June 27, 2011, at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Examples of evidence that might be used to indicate compliance with the 2015 Standards for Accreditation From Accreditation Process, Policies, and Procedures (AP3), fourth edition, section II.7.4.

Knowledge and competencies statements Statements of knowledge and competencies developed by relevant professional organizations.

Accreditation process

Required reporting for accreditation  Instructions for the Biennial Narrative Report, Annual Progress Report, and Annual Statistical Reports for accredited programs and programs in candidacy and pre-candidacy.

Accreditation standards, policies, and procedures 2008 and 2015 Standards for Accreditation and Accreditation Process, Policies, and Procedures. Includes Excel spreadsheet of the Standards with numbered paragraphs and space for notes.

Overview of the comprehensive review process Section II.1, Accreditation Process, Policies and Procedures (AP3), fourth edition. Includes a timeline of the two-year comprehensive review process.

Guidelines for the Self-Study and comprehensive review Section II of the Accreditation Process, Policies and Procedures (AP3), fourth edition

Plan for the Self-Study sample (Word) This Plan is presented only as an example, not as a template. The Plan for the Self-Study is due 12 months before the visit. Information on the Plan can be found in Section II.5, Accreditation Process, Policies and Procedures (AP3), fourth edition.

Sample Self-Studies (previously called Program Presentations) Links to publicly available electronic Self-Studies prepared by accredited programs for comprehensive review. 

Accreditation process overview (pdf) The information in this document was prepared through the collaborative effort of 15 accrediting agencies to give you an overview of the steps involved in accrediting academic programs at colleges, schools and universities. It is not specific to ALA accreditation. It will provide you with information and activities to help you learn what you need to know to participate on a site team or prepare for an accreditation visit at your institution.

Template used by the External Review Panel for its report

Accreditation decision appeal process Section IV, Appeal process, Accreditation Process, Policies and Procedures (AP3), fourth edition. Information on grounds for appeal, burden of proof, appeal process details, the roles of the Appeal Review Committee and the ALA Executive Board, a timeline with example dates, and accreditation status effective dates with regard to an appeal.

Accreditation Process, Policies, and Procedures (AP3), 4th edition: Overview and updates (pdf) Presentation on AP3, including updates in the fourth edition, from the COA program at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando.

Administrative resources for accredited programs

Leadership update form (Word) Have there been changes in the leadership at the program, school, or institution? Send the completed form to accred@ala.org. "Any change in executive administration must be communicated in writing to the Office for Accreditation within 30 days" (AP3, I.22 Institutional or programmatic changes).

Guidelines for using the "ALA Accredited" logo (pdf) The "ALA-accredited" logo is available in a variety of file types for use by accredited programs. Contact the Office for the files.

Need to change your LIS directory entry? Log in to edit your program's listing in the searchable database of accredited LIS programs. Contact the Office for help with login or password.