For immediate release | August 13, 2020
COA announces accreditation decisions made at 2020 Virtual Conference
CHICAGO — The Committee on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Library Association (ALA) announces accreditation actions taken at its meeting during the ALA 2020 Virtual Conference.
Continued Accreditation status was granted to the following programs (listed in alphabetical order by institution), with the next comprehensive review visit scheduled to take place in spring 2028, reflecting a one-year extension to next visit extended to all programs due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
- Master of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. Meets all standards. No issues cited for follow-up.
- Master of Science with majors in Library Science and Information Science at the University of North Texas. Meets all standards. No issues cited for follow-up.
- Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Maryland. Meets all standards. No issues cited for follow-up.
Initial Accreditation status was granted to the following program, with the next comprehensive review visit scheduled to take place in spring 2028:
Master of Library and Information Science at Southern Connecticut State University. Follow-up reporting is required related to Standard II. Curriculum, regarding progress on curriculum planning and development; Standard III.1-2 and 7 Faculty, regarding progress on faculty recruitment and with research productivity; and Standard V. 10 Administration, Finance, and Resources, regarding resolution of facility and space needs.
Pre-candidacy status was granted to the Master of Library Science at Middle Tennessee State University.
ALA accreditation indicates that the program has undergone a comprehensive external review and meets the Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies established by CoA and adopted by ALA Council. CoA evaluates each program for conformity to the Standards, which address systematic planning; curriculum; faculty; students; administration, finances, and resources.
A complete list of programs and degrees accredited by ALA can be found in the Directory of ALA-Accredited MLIS Programs. Individuals who would like more information about a particular program should contact the program directly.
The ALA COA is a leading force in accreditation, having evaluated educational programs to prepare librarians since 1924. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes ALA COA as the authority for assessing the quality of education offered by graduate programs in the field of library and information studies.
Contact:
Susana Stoll
Associate Director
American Library Association
Office for Accreditation
sstoll@ala.org312-280-24320
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