COA announces 2023 ALA Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies

The American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that the 2023 ALA Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies have been passed by the Council of the American Library Association.

This is the culmination of a three-year process of revising the 2015 standards, seeking feedback from the library and information studies and professional community, educators, students, and the public through surveys, conference presentations, and individual responses. In 2023, the Committee also worked with the ALA/Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Working Group to further refine the proposed revisions.

The Committee has responded to input from the Library and Information community to eliminate redundancies, improve clarity, and infuse concepts of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout the standards. The collaborative process that supported this work will ensure that these revised standards support a responsive, 21st century library and information education rooted in the fundamental principles of the profession as espoused by the American Library Association.

The endorsement of the Council of the American Library Association means that schools and programs may begin using the 2023 standards immediately. As in the past, the Committee on Accreditation will work with schools and programs to ensure both success and compliance as they navigate various institutional, state, and regional governing bodies.

For further information, please contact the Office for Accreditation.