Virtual Visits
Notes on evolving virtual review practice are available at Virtual Visit Guidance.
Training for External Review Panelists
New and experienced External Review Panelist (ERP) pool members are invited and encouraged to attend. Participants will learn about the role of ERP members in the ALA accreditation process, hear from experienced panelists; and work in groups to analyze a sample Self-Study. Sessions focus on the Standards. Participation in a training session is preferred for placement on a review panel. For more information, contact accred@ala.org.
Training for External Review Panel Chairs
Experienced reviewers (two or more reviews) who are interested in serving as an ERP Chair are encouraged to attend. Program representatives who are interested in learning more about the comprehensive review process are also encouraged to attend and participate or just observe.
For more information, contact accred@ala.org.
Become a member of the External Review Panel (ERP) pool
The Office for Accreditation seeks library and information professionals to review master’s-level library and information studies programs. Please see ERP service information for timeline, responsibilities, and typical activities.
Please note, established panelists should submit their contact information changes to accred@ala.org.
General information
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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 what is involved in accrediting academic programs at colleges, schools and universities. 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. It is meant to supplement, not supersede, information presented in AP3 and at ALA ERP training sessions.
Accreditation standards, policies, and procedures
- Accreditation standards, policies, and procedures - 2008 and 2015 Standards for Accreditation and Accreditation Process, Policies and Procedures (AP3). Includes the Standards with numbered paragraphs and space for notes in both table format (Word) and spreadsheet format (Excel). Section III of AP3 provides specific guidelines for the External Review Panel.
Additional information and resources for assigned panelists
- Role and responsibilities of the ERP (pdf, from AP3, III.5 Role and responsibilities of the ERP)
- Appropriate panelist behavior (pdf)
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Examples of evidence for meeting the 2015 Standards (pdf, from AP3, fourth edition, Guidelines for the Program Presentation, II.7.4)
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Implementing and Documenting Compliance with the 2015 Standards for Accreditation
Guidance for programs (but also useful for ERPs) 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.
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External Review Panel report (pdf, from Section III.7, AP3 - guidelines for content, format, organization, and deadlines of the ERP report
Resources for ERP chairs
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ERP Chair responsibilities (pdf, from AP3, III.5.1 Responsibilities of the ERP Chair)
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Site visit worksheet (doc)
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Exit briefing (pdf, from AP3, Section III.6)