Accreditation issues for library and information science schools

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Date
2007
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.
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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.