Accreditation issues for library and information science schools
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Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JAIST
Abstract
Purpose: The paper examines the issue of accreditation, types, status and ethical
considerations in Library and Information Science, with reference to other
professions as a model to adopt.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper began by defining the concept of
accreditation, objectives and types. It went further to discuss issues and status of
accreditation with disciplines in Nigeria, Lessons from other disciplines in
connection with there professional standards. It finally enjoined the Nigeria Library
Association (NLA) and Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) to borrow
a leaf from other developed countries to help ensure standards in the profession.
Findings: from the paper accreditation is said to be a process by which institutions
or programmes continuously update their educational standard through evaluation
programme and institutional accreditation are the two types we have, some of the
objectives of accreditation are: to stimulate and integrate the efforts of institutions to
evaluate the standards of education; to strengthen the capabilities of the educational
institutions for service to the nation; and to identify educational institutions that
meets stated criteria for academic quality. In Nigeria, the National University
Commission (NUC) is responsible for the accreditation of Library and Information
Science (LIS) Schools, unlike in United Kingdom (UK) United State of America
(USA) and Australia where professional bodies are chiefly responsible for the
accreditation of LIS Schools. Other professional bodies in Nigeria like Nigeria
Institution of Architecture, the Council of Legal Education, the Medical and Dental
Council of Nigeria and Chartered Accountants of Nigeria participate actively in the
accreditation of their professions. It is therefore suggested that NLA and LRCN
should live up to their responsibility by participating in the accreditation exercise of
LIS Schools, provide parameter for recognition of the degrees and empower
librarians and LIS Schools with adequate skills and competence to compete globally.
Practical Implication: The NUC should incorporate NLA and LRCN to implement
the stipulated standards for accreditation of LIS Schools.
Originality: Its originality is in the writers’ analysis of accreditation issues in LIS
Schools in Nigerian Universities, as against what is done in some other countries
vis-à-vis other professions NLA, LIS School, NUC and LRCN have much lessons
and information to gain from the work.
Description
Keywords
Accreditation, Library, LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE SCHOOLS, information science, Nigeria, Registrations Council, Universities, librarians
Citation
Nkiko, C., & Yusuf, F. O. (2007). Accreditation issues for library and information science schools. Journal of applied information science and technology, 1(1), 70-82.