Resources for External Review Panelists

The Office for Accreditation seeks library and information professionals with an interest in providing quality assurance for ALA Accreditation of master’s level library and information studies programs to participate in the accreditation process as External Review Panelists. External Review Panelists need not be ALA members. Please see ERP service information for timeline, responsibilities, and typical activities.

Virtual Visits

Notes on evolving virtual review practice are available at Virtual Visit Guidance.

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.

External Review Panelist Qualifications and Application Form

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 (who have completed 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.

General information

Accreditation Cycle Synopsis

Accreditation Process Overview: 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

2015 and 2023 Standards for Accreditation and Accreditation Process, Policies and Procedures (AP3). Includes the Standards with numbered paragraphs and space for notes in both table format and spreadsheet format. Section III of AP3 provides specific guidelines for the External Review Panel.

Additional information and resources for assigned panelists

Resources for ERP chairs