Professional qualifications, accreditation, and certification in library and information science schools: A global perspective

Library and information science schools and their accreditations play a crucial role in preparing individuals to become effective and competent library and information professionals. A number of efforts have been undertaken to analyze the accreditation standards and procedures for library and information science professionals in a specific context (e.g. country). However, there is limited research from a global perspective. This article provides an overview of the qualifications of library and information science professionals and accreditation and certification in library and information science schools around the world. A non-probability sampling strategy was employed to collect all this information. A total of 586 programs (e.g. undergraduate) from 198 library and information science schools in 69 countries was represented. The results show that an accredited national degree was the most required credential to work as a professional librarian in the field. Master's degree programs appeared to be the most commonly offered degree programs at these schools, and English was the most popular language of instruction in all degree programs.