Karen O’Brien

The Office for Accreditation provides authoritative leadership in assuring quality and value to its stakeholders through accreditation of master’s-level library and information studies programs. The Office serves the profession, the general public, students, employers, and library and information studies master’s programs through the promotion and advancement of education in library and information studies. The Office for Accreditation manages the external review process that provides professional development opportunities for both academics and practitioners, and provides programs with a framework for their development. The Office for Accreditation communicates with stakeholders regarding activities and accomplishments, anticipates and prepares for the changing environment and the future needs of constituencies, and manages their operations and resources to be effective, responsive and relevant. The Office for Accreditation serves as the staff liaison to the ALA Committee on Accreditation and works with ALA governance and other ALA Offices and Divisions on issues related to library and information studies education.