Program Assessment

Program assessment is an ongoing, systematic, and active process intended to monitor and improve the overall quality of student learning. There are numerous factors, practices, and bodies involved in the program assessment process.

Program Level Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Program Level Learning Outcomes are a set of objectives students will meet upon completion of the program.

Upon completion of the MLIS program, students will critically:

  1. Demonstrate awareness of the histories, the philosophies, and the service orientations of libraries, librarianship, and related information environments; and understand the value of teaching, service, and research to the advancement of the field of library and information studies.
    Objective: Students will appreciate the functions of librarians and information professionals within larger societal frameworks, and the factors influencing the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge, information, and data and the responsibility to serve all communities.
  2. Evince complex and ethical awareness of issues, research, trends, and dilemmas in library and information studies.
    Objective: Students will, within appropriate institutional, organizational, and professional constructs be ready to debate local, national, and global information issues and policies in a cross-disciplinary, analog, or digital context that includes, but is not limited to the responsibilities of librarians and information professionals with respect to the flow of ideas and access to information.
  3. Demonstrate analytical capacities and problem-solving skills.
    Objective: Students will possess the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate and improve library and information systems, services and technologies.
  4. Apply leadership and management principles to address diverse organizational contexts, needs, and challenges.
    Objective: Students will be knowledgeable about the theories and concepts of administration and organizational behaviour as they apply to the leadership and management of libraries and information organizations.
  5. Communicate effectively and professionally.
    Objective: Students will be prepared to flexibly articulate and adapt their education and ongoing contributions to different local, national, and global environments in line with principles and practices governing professional communication in the field.
  6. Show understanding of the knowledge, information, and data life cycle including production, publication, organization, distribution, access, reception, preservation, disposition, destruction, and retrieval practices of recorded knowledge, information and data resources.
    Objective: Students will be able to analyze and synthesize the concepts of knowledge, information, and communication; and to critically examine, assess, and make recommendations as to how these concepts and principles are applied in various information environments.
  7. Locate, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information sources, with respect for cultural diversity.
    Objective: Students will be able to effectively create, use, and manage user-centred information services, systems, and technologies to meet the information needs of established, emerging, and multiple communities.
  8. Utilize and examine a broad range of LIS and cognate research and understand processes and methods required to conduct scholarship.
    Objective: Students will be able to individually and collaboratively evaluate research and scholarship in library and information studies and other fields of knowledge, and apply principles and practices of research in library and information studies with an understanding of the relationships between LIS and other disciplines.
  9. Examine historical, established, and emerging impacts, importance, and limitations of technologies in personal, professional, and social contexts as well as in library and information studies settings.
    Objective: Students will understand current and emerging information technologies as an integral part of the operations and services of libraries and information organizations.
  10. Demonstrate awareness of the need for continuing professional engagement and service while developing and maintaining professional relationships.
    Objective: Students will be prepared to play an active role in professional associations and activities, as well as understand the importance of cooperation among librarians and information professionals and their organizations.

Student Achievement Data

The percentage of graduates holding positions relevant to the degree within 12 months of degree completion. Employment surveys are administered 12-18 months after graduation.

ALA Accreditation

The MLIS program at the University of Alberta is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Continued accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Spring 2028.

ALA accreditation indicates that the program meets or exceeds the Standards for Accreditation of Master's Programs in Library and Information Studies, established by the COA and approved by ALA Council. The accreditation process involves rigorous, ongoing self-evaluation by the program and verification of evidence through an external review. The COA evaluates each program for compliance with the Standards, which currently address systematic planning; curriculum; faculty; students; administration, finances, and resources. Since the School's accreditation in 2013, the ALA adopted new standards in February 2015.

See the ALA's Accreditation FAQ for more information.

The School's Bachelor of Library Science (BLS) program was first accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Accreditation (COA) in 1970 and thus recognized by ALA and the Canadian Library Association (CLA) as meeting North American library education standards. In 1976, in keeping with the Canadian pattern of education for librarianship, the two-year Master of Library Science (MLS) program was established. SLIS was then reaccredited in multi-year cycles in 1979, 1986, 1992, 1999, 2006, 2013, and 2020. The Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) has succeeded in the former CLA's role in supporting the accreditation process.

Accreditation 2020

In January 2020, the Self-Study (2013-2020) was submitted to the ALA Committee on Accreditation. In March 2020, the ALA COA External Review Panel conducted an on-site review. This took place shortly before the University shifted to remote instruction and work to combat the spread of COVID-19.

In June 2020, SLIS met virtually with the Committee on Accreditation for the last time as part of this review. On June 30th, SLIS received notice that accreditation has been awarded for eight years, comprised of the full seven year renewal plus an additional year in light of challenges resulting from COVID-19.

Exit Survey Summaries

The School of Library and Information Studies conducts annual exit surveys of graduates of the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program at the University of Alberta.

Past Surveys

Employment Surveys

The School of Library and Information Studies conducts annual employment surveys of graduates of the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program at the University of Alberta.

Past Surveys

Additional Information

The MLIS External Program Advisory Committee (MEPAC) is a governing body that is part of SLIS' shared governance model. MEPAC is the chief governing and advisory body of the School of Library and Information Studies. MEPAC consists of Library and Information Studies academic staff and representatives of other stakeholder groups.

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Contact

Please direct admissions and program inquiries to slis@ualberta.ca.