[Draft cover design for the SLIS 2012 Program Presentation for Accreditation]

Every five to seven years, the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science has presented its master’s degree programs for review by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Committee on Accreditation. SLIS programs have been continuously accredited since 1951. ALA reviewers will next visit the school in March, 2012.

Program accreditation by the ALA provides review and approval of the education SLIS offers for students planning on careers as information professionals. ALA standards consider the program’s mission, goals, and objectives; curriculum; faculty; students; administration and financial support; and physical resources and facilities.

SLIS’s core school status, with strong programs at both Bloomington and Indianapolis, will be the basis of the case for reaccreditation. In Bloomington, SLIS has long-standing connections with a major research library, 20 joint or dual degrees with 15 departments and centers on campus, and faculty whose research prominence is consistently ranked among the best. In Indianapolis, SLIS offers special strengths in school, public, and academic librarianship; the urban campus and proximity to government agencies support research and teaching in the areas of philanthropy, health information, and intellectual property.

As we look to the future, the review for reaccreditation helps to define goals and strategies. SLIS faculty members are drafting a statement on how the programs meet the ALA Standards. The draft will be reviewed by current students, alumni, adjunct faculty, and other interested groups. The process gives SLIS an opportunity to review current practices and successes, and to look ahead for new opportunities. The accrediting review team will be interested in hearing from alumni, particularly recent graduates. If you would like to be a contact for the reviewers, please e-mail slis@indiana.edu.

Posted March 22, 2011