The University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) Master of Arts in Library and Information Science Program has been granted continued accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA).

The Continued Accreditation Status, held by SLIS since 1971, is an important program milestone representing SLIS’s commitment to empower library and information professionals and promote the creation of responsible and informed seekers of knowledge.

The American Library Association’s Committee on Accreditation comprises LIS educators, professionals, and stakeholders responsible for upholding high standards of education for library and information studies in North American universities. ALA accreditation not only indicates a program has met and exceeded these quality education standards, but it also grants SLIS graduates a professional credential internationally recognized by the Australian Library and Information Association, and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. representing Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

“The accreditation process is essential for maintaining the high standard of education we are proud to offer here at SLIS," says Dr. Lucy Santos Green,  Professor and Director of the School of Library and Information Science. “Our graduates can confidently navigate a competitive job market where an ALA-accredited degree is a frequent job requirement. Maintaining continuous accreditation assures our students and stakeholders that we provide a stellar, globally competitive education experience.”

Faculty, staff, and students worked diligently over the last year to generate a detailed self-study report. The re-accreditation decision is based on this report, an external review panel report submitted after a site visit to the University of Iowa, and a meeting with the full Committee on Accreditation held at the ALA Annual Conference.

Green notes that SLIS benefitted from an excellent team at the Graduate College, who helped SLIS prepare the large collection of data and documentation that accompanies the re-accreditation process. She acknowledges Andy Jenkins, Director of IT, Karen Noggle, Senior Business Intel Analyst, Makur Jain, Manager of Web Strategy, John Riehl, Web Content Strategist, and Mike Hendrickson, SLIS IT, for making sure the School had everything in place for an incredibly successful experience.

“The re-accreditation process is lengthy and detailed, a wonderful opportunity for us to carefully review our systematic evaluation process, curriculum, budget, and student services,” Green says. “It helps us stay on the frontline of what the profession needs, what employers are looking for, and helps us recruit students who want a strong, accredited degree program. Our consistent growth in enrollment is a result of this commitment.”

Available online and on campus, the School of Library and Information Science offers a graduate-level program of professional and academic preparation for careers in libraries, information centers, government and cultural institutions, with specializations in archives, special collections, academic, and teacher librarianship. In partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, it offers one of the only joint MLIS and PhD in English programs in the country; and alongside the UI Center for the Book, is one of only two LIS programs nationwide hosting a joint MLIS and MFA in the Book Arts.

Amanda Thein, Graduate College Dean and Associate Provost for Graduate and Professional Education, congratulates SLIS for its continued accreditation by the American Library Association.

“This achievement is a testament to the excellence of the UI’s MA in Library and Information Science program and to the dedication of each of the School’s faculty and staff members,” Thein says.