Courtesy : Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.)

ALA accreditation “indicates that the program has undergone an external review
and meets the ALA Committee on Accreditation’s Standards for Accreditation of Master’s
Programs in Library and Information Studies. These standards evaluate a program’s
mission, goals, and objectives; their curriculum, faculty, and students; their administration
and financial support; and their physical resources and facilities”.
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The purpose of accreditation is to “assure the educational community, the general
public, and other agencies or organizations that an institution or program (a) has clearly
defined and educationally appropriate objectives expressed as student learning outcomes,
(b) maintains conditions under which achievement of objectives can reasonably be
expected, (c) is in fact accomplishing objectives substantially, and (d) can be expected to
continue to do so. Accreditation serves as a mechanism for quality assessment and quality
enhancement with quality defined as the effective utilization of resources to achieve
appropriate educational objectives and student learning outcomes”. # ISO certification in India
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The American Library Association through the Committee on Accreditation
“protects the public interest and provides guidance for educators. Prospective students,
employers recruiting professional staff, and the general public concerned about the quality
of library and information services have the right to know whether a given program of
education is of good standing. By identifying those programs meeting recognized
standards, the Committee offers a means of quality control in the professional staffing of
library and information services”# ISO certification in India

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1- Dual Degree
A dual degree program is “based on a formal agreement within one
college/university or between separate colleges/ universities. Students spend 2-3 years in
each degree program. After completing all requirements for both programs (usually in four
to five years) the student is awarded two degrees. Dual degrees can be from the same
school, or from two different colleges/universities that entered a dual degree agreement;
and in the same major, or in different majors”.
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1- School of Public Communications
The study found dual degrees offered at
the Syracuse University include:
2- School of Management.
2- Honor Programs
Syracuse University has had an honors program since 1963. It is named The Renée
Crown University Honors Program. “It is a selective, demanding, and rewarding program
for students who seek an intense intellectual challenge and are prepared to invest the extra
effort required to meet that challenge. While students pursue their chosen academic course
of study in their individual departments, schools and colleges, the Honors Program offers

additional intellectual challenge and curricular enrichment through seminars, honors
courses, special cultural events, and close contact with faculty and other honors students.
The Program is open to qualified students in all of the University’s undergraduate schools
and colleges.54
3- Study Abroad
The program at Syracuse University “allows students to customize an international
experience that meets student linguistic needs–and student professional and personal goals.
Students may choose from exciting and challenging locations across the globe. Browse our
extensive courses and programs of study that allow them to combine liberal arts and
professional degree courses”.
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Conclusions
Based on previous analysis, the following points were concluded:
1- Bachelor Degree in Library and Information Science
On the contrary of other degrees in different fields, bachelor degree in Library and
Information Science was the least offered degree in Library and Information Science
schools; in that the majority of schools offer other degrees like masters, PhD, school library
media program, post master certificates, etc more than bachelor degrees. The reason behind
this might relate and refer to the job market, where the basic requirement for most job
placements was postgraduate degrees.# ISO certification in India
2- Curriculum Focus
The curriculum varied from a school to another. Number and type of courses
offered (core, elective) varied not only from one school to another, but within each school
according to the program of study. Schools had different concentrations and various
focuses. The reason behind this might refer to the purpose of each program that intended to
prepare students for various careers.
3- Distance Learning
Courses offered were on–campus (residential) courses and all schools in the study
didn’t have a choice of distance learning at the undergraduate level. Therefore, it might be
useful for schools to establish distance education programs for the undergraduates.
Distance learning would provide remote students the choice to enroll in distinguished
universities. It might also reduce the cost and facilitate the education process.

4- Tuitions and Student Status
Tuitions were relatively high and varied from one school to another and varied also
within each school according to the type of students (In-State Student & Out – of – State
Student). Student loans obtained either from universities or outside were some of the
solutions offered to cover various expenses.
5- Program Accreditations
The study found that the accreditation process was restricted to graduate programs
on the master’s level, and not on undergraduate level. Therefore, the need for accreditation
might be an essential need to insure high quality education. It could be useful to establish
an association either as a separate entity or connected with the American Library
Association, ALA. This association would have the authority to evaluate, assess and
determine standards for bachelor programs offered. Therefore, it would help in reducing
variations among schools.
6- Admission Requirements
Each program had its own admissions requirements. Some schools required
students to take some courses, while other schools asked students to take certain tests. That
was to make sure that applying students were well qualified. The study also found that the
University of Michigan had its unique system, in that it divided students into three types:
prospective students, transfer students and international students, defining certain
requirements for each type.
7- Rank and School Reputations
Ranks and rates were made at the master’s degree level and not on the bachelor
degree level.
8- Educational Choices
The study found the school at Syracuse University offered more choices to students.
Choices were in obtaining dual degrees, registering in honor programs and studying
abroad. These choices might encourage students to apply and would make education more
exiting